A patient who has been unable to leave his home for more than a month because of symptoms of severe anxiety tells the nurse: "I feel really stupid,a grown man not being able to leave his house." The most therapeutic reply is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acknowledging the patient's feelings by paraphrasing his comment ("You feel stupid because you're afraid to leave home?")shows that the nurse is listening,validates the nurse's understanding of his concern,and prompts the patient to elaborate further about his feelings."I don't think it's stupid…" implies that what the patient feels is wrong and he should not feel the way he does;this is a disconfirming (nontherapeutic)statement.Noting that the patient is not alone can reduce isolation if present but does not address the reported feeling."I can see how you might feel that way" in effect reinforces the patient's negative self-appraisal and is also nontherapeutic.

A Patient Who Has Been Unable to Leave His Home