Question

A nurse is counseling an adolescent who has anorexia nervosa and reports excessive laxative use and a fear of gaining weight. The client states, 'I'm so fat I can't even stand to look at myself.' Which of the following therapeutic responses demonstrates the nurse's use of summarizing?

a. 'You feel that your body image is distorted.'

b. 'It sounds like you're really struggling with your appearance.'

c. 'You believe that you are overweight despite evidence to the contrary.'

d. 'I hear you saying that you find it difficult to look at yourself.'

Answer 1

A nurse's use of summarizing in response to an adolescent with anorexia nervosa who has excessive laxative use and a fear of gaining weight would involve validating the patient's feelings without reinforcing negative self-image or inaccurate perceptions of being overweight.

Step-by-step explanation:

A therapeutic response that demonstrates a nurse's use of summarizing can be an effective communication technique in counseling an adolescent with anorexia nervosa. In the provided situation, the nurse could validate the patient's feelings by stating, 'I hear you saying that you find it difficult to look at yourself,' which effectively summarizes the client's expressed concern about their body image. Summarizing confirms that the nurse is listening and understands the client's perspective, which is crucial in building a therapeutic relationship.

It is essential to be careful with the language used when discussing weight and body image, especially with individuals who have eating disorders. The use of summarizing in this scenario is a tool to reflect the patient's feelings without reinforcing any negative self-image or validating the inaccurate perception of being overweight.