The nursing student is assigned to care for a patient who has just been diagnosed with advanced stage cancer.The patient is very upset and crying.The nursing student states to her instructor,"I don't know what to do.My patient just can't stop crying." What is the best response from the instructor?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

One of the most effective and useful tools in enhancing therapeutic communication is the use of silence.Using silence demonstrates acceptance and allows the patient to compose his thoughts and perhaps provide other information.It is especially effective when the patient is emotionally upset.Waiting for the patient to stop crying to complete care is a missed opportunity for the nurse to support the patient's emotional needs and show caring during a difficult time.Additionally,the patient would be denied the opportunity to express his feelings,fears,and other emotions.Distracting patients or changing the topic of the conversation is actually a barrier to communication.This may make the patient feel that his feelings are not accepted or warranted,or that the nurse is uninterested.

The Nursing Student Is Assigned to Care for a Patient