Question

Which of the following is the best example of a nurse's use of reflection?

1. The nurse places a client experiencing respiratory difficulties in a high-Fowler's position.
2. The nurse calls the provider when a client reports feeling chilled and achy while having an oral temperature of 100.2° F.
3. While caring for a client with a history of asthma, the nurse assesses the client's pulse oximetry reading when he doesn't sound right.
4. A nurse tells a client; When you refused to go to physical therapy earlier today I believe you were upset about something else besides the appointment time.

Answer 1

Option 4 is the best example of a nurse's use of reflection, as it involves interpretation of the patient's behavior to understand underlying emotions and experiences, which is central to therapeutic communication and personalized care.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best example of a nurse's use of reflection is option 4: A nurse tells a client; “When you refused to go to physical therapy earlier today I believe you were upset about something else besides the appointment time.”

This option demonstrates the nurse's ability to reflect on and interpret the patient's behavior, which is a key component of therapeutic communication. Reflection in nursing practice involves looking beyond the obvious and seeking to understand the patient's feelings or actions. It allows the nurse to create a deeper connection with the patient and provide more personalized and empathetic care. In this case, by reflecting on the patient's refusal, the nurse is attempting to uncover underlying issues that might be affecting the patient's willingness to participate in treatment, and therefore can address these issues to provide better care.

The other options, such as placing a patient in a high-Fowler's position, calling a provider, and assessing pulse oximetry readings, are examples of clinical intervention and monitoring, whereas reflection involves a deeper analytical process about the patient's experiences and emotions.