A worker is characterized by her co-workers as "painfully shy" and lacking in self-confidence.Her co-workers say she stays in her cubicle all day,never coming out for breaks or lunch.One day after falling on the ice in the parking lot,she goes to the nurse's office,where she apologizes for falling and mentions that she hopes the company will not fire her for being so clumsy.Which nursing approach or response would be most therapeutic?

Question

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The patient manages anxiety by keeping a low profile at work,avoiding situations where others might have any reason to criticize her (or even be aware of her).The fall has interfered with this coping strategy.It is likely she will be highly anxious about the prospect of being criticized and fear that a disciplinary action will follow.Therefore,interventions which reduce her anxiety and help her reframe her fears so they are more realistic are desirable.The best example here is sharing that others have fallen and never been criticized or fired.This patient's presentation does not suggest an inclination to be suspicious of others,and support would be more helpful for her anxiety than detachment or behaving in a matter-of-fact manner that focuses on her physical injuries rather than her emotional concerns.Telling her about the incident report going to a manager who will respond at some unknown point in the future is likely to greatly heighten and extend her anxiety and distress.

A Worker Is Characterized by Her Co-Workers as "Painfully Shy