A novice nurse is working with a client who is admitted to a medical-surgical unit. The nurse is establishing a therapeutic relationship with the client by conveying empathy. Which statement by the nurse best exemplifies empathy?
A)"I wouldn't be afraid if I were you."
B)"You shouldn't have done it that way."
C)"You seem to be frightened by the procedure. Tell me how you are feeling."
D)"I know just how you feel, because my mother has the same illness."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A)To be able to empathize with patients, the nurse must be able to understand and acknowledge the ideas that the patient is expressing or that the patient feels are important to the situation. By stating that the client seems frightened and asking the client to describe his or her feelings, the nurse is demonstrating empathy. The nurse should not say he or she knows how the client feels; such a statement will likely be met with disbelief, because one individual never knows how another individual is feeling unless that individual tells them. Telling the client not to be afraid is demeaning; instead, the nurse should ascertain the source of the client's fear and provide appropriate teaching. Saying the client should not have done something is passing judgment and inappropriate.
B)To be able to empathize with patients, the nurse must be able to understand and acknowledge the ideas that the patient is expressing or that the patient feels are important to the situation. By stating that the client seems frightened and asking the client to describe his or her feelings, the nurse is demonstrating empathy. The nurse should not say he or she knows how the client feels; such a statement will likely be met with disbelief, because one individual never knows how another individual is feeling unless that individual tells them. Telling the client not to be afraid is demeaning; instead, the nurse should ascertain the source of the client's fear and provide appropriate teaching. Saying the client should not have done something is passing judgment and inappropriate.
C)To be able to empathize with patients, the nurse must be able to understand and acknowledge the ideas that the patient is expressing or that the patient feels are important to the situation. By stating that the client seems frightened and asking the client to describe his or her feelings, the nurse is demonstrating empathy. The nurse should not say he or she knows how the client feels; such a statement will likely be met with disbelief, because one individual never knows how another individual is feeling unless that individual tells them. Telling the client not to be afraid is demeaning; instead, the nurse should ascertain the source of the client's fear and provide appropriate teaching. Saying the client should not have done something is passing judgment and inappropriate.
D)To be able to empathize with patients, the nurse must be able to understand and acknowledge the ideas that the patient is expressing or that the patient feels are important to the situation. By stating that the client seems frightened and asking the client to describe his or her feelings, the nurse is demonstrating empathy. The nurse should not say he or she knows how the client feels; such a statement will likely be met with disbelief, because one individual never knows how another individual is feeling unless that individual tells them. Telling the client not to be afraid is demeaning; instead, the nurse should ascertain the source of the client's fear and provide appropriate teaching. Saying the client should not have done something is passing judgment and inappropriate.

A Novice Nurse Is Working with a Client Who Is