Question

A patient says to the nurse, "My family was mean to me when they visited today. They have no right to treat me like that." Select the nurse's best initial response.

a. "Why do you think they were mean?"
b. "Perhaps you overreacted to what they said."
c. "How do you feel about your family treating you that way?"
d. "Describe what happened when your family visited you today."

Answer 1

The nurse's best initial response would be to ask the patient how they feel about their family treating them that way.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's best initial response in this situation would be option c. 'How do you feel about your family treating you that way?' This response acknowledges the patient's feelings and provides an opportunity for them to express their emotions. It shows empathy and support, which is crucial in building a therapeutic relationship with the patient. By understanding the patient's feelings, the nurse can better address the situation and provide appropriate care.