Question

A 22-year-old client with recent paraplegia lashes out and curses at the nurse about the breakfast meal. The nurse's best response is:?

1) "I know you are angry, but I cannot let you make me become the object of your anger. I will send up the dietician."
2) "This is not about breakfast. Tell me what you are really angry about."
3) "This is not about breakfast. I'll shut the door and let you cool off."
4) "I hear a lot of anger in your voice. That is quite normal and healthy to hear. Is it a new breakfast you want or something else?"

Answer 1

The best response is 4) "I hear a lot of anger in your voice. That is quite normal and healthy to hear. Is it a new breakfast you want or something else?"

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's best response to a 22-year-old client with recent paraplegia who lashes out about the breakfast meal is the one that acknowledges the client's emotions while providing an opportunity for expression and support. Among the given options, response number 4, which is "I hear a lot of anger in your voice. That is quite normal and healthy to hear. Is it a new breakfast you want or something else?" is the most therapeutic. This response validates the client's feelings without becoming defensive and offers an opening for the client to discuss deeper issues if they choose to.

Other responses either may shut down communication or may position the nurse as defensive. It is important for healthcare providers to approach such situations with empathy and understanding that reactions from clients may often be due to underlying frustrations or psychological stress rather than the immediate situation.