Question

A new graduate nurse missed cues regarding the client's emotional state at the time of admission. The most therapeutic response to the nurse by her mentor is:

1. That is why we perform assessments at least daily; so we can catch missed cues.
2. Everyone has missed cues; don't be too hard on yourself and just keep trying.
3. You will be less likely to miss client cues as you acquire more experience with assessments.
4. The positive side to making this mistake is that you won't miss those cues again in another client.

Answer 1

The best therapeutic response combines reassurance with a focus on continuous learning and improvement, acknowledging common mistakes and stressing the development of assessment skills over time.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most therapeutic response to a new graduate nurse who missed cues regarding the client's emotional state would be to provide support and encourage learning from the experience. While each response offers a different perspective, the most effective response would likely include elements of reassurance, recognition of the learning process, and promotion of professional growth. Specifically, it embraces the reality of making mistakes, offers reassurance, and focuses on the natural improvement that comes with gaining experience.

For instance, a blend of options 2 and 3 could be particularly therapeutic, acknowledging that it is common to miss cues while also highlighting that proficiency will increase with practice. This approach promotes a growth mindset, encouraging the nurse to reflect on the experience, learn from it, and understand the importance of being self-aware and the value of planning ahead. Moreover, integrating feedback and reflections on personal experiences can enhance the nurse's ability to empathize with clients and improve client assessments.