Question

A nurse is caring for an older dog client who begins to cry and states, I knew God would punish me and I deserve this horrible sickness which of the following responses should the nurse make

a.""Why do you think you deserve this punishment?""The nurse should avoid asking a ""why"" question, because this can make the client feel defensive.
b.""Don't worry about being punished by God.""The nurse is minimizing the client's feelings. This response does not show empathy toward the client and is belittling the client's feelings.
c.""Let's talk about what is upsetting you.""MY ANSWERThe nurse is acknowledging the client's concerns and is showing a desire to understand what the client is thinking and feeling.
d.""You shouldn't say things that will upset you so much.""The nurse is showing disapproval, which can make the client defensive.

Answer 1

The best response a nurse can give to a client who feels they are being punished by a deity is to offer an empathetic and open-ended remark, such as inviting the client to share more about what is upsetting them. This approach respects the client's emotions and fosters a supportive environment without engaging in theological debate or challenging the client’s beliefs.

Step-by-step explanation:

A proper response to a client who is expressing feelings of being punished by a deity for their illness should involve empathy and support. The nurse should avoid statements that could potentially minimize or invalidate the client's feelings, as well as refrain from causing the client to become defensive. Instead, the nurse should recognize the emotional distress and facilitate a conversation that allows the client to discuss their feelings more openly.

For instance, in response to the client's concern, the most therapeutically appropriate option is "Let's talk about what is upsetting you." This response opens a dialogue and conveys a non-judgemental stance, allowing the client to explore their thoughts and emotions. It acknowledges the client's distress without agreeing with their self-attributed blame or challenging their beliefs, which can be particularly important in caring for individuals in vulnerable states.

The suggestion of testings or punishments by a deity can introduce complex theological discussions. It's worth noting that debates about divine responsibility, such as the hypothetical scenario where a deity knows the outcome before a test happens, are beyond the scope of nursing care and should be navigated cautiously to maintain professional boundaries and patient-centered care.