Question

When interviewing a patient, which statement/action indicates that the nurse is displaying empathy?

a. The nurse offers the patient a tissue when the patient is crying after hearing some sad news before giving the patient medication.
b. The nurse and patient discuss their families and discover they each have two brothers.
c. The patient appreciates that the nurse has sat by her bedside and held her hand while they spoke about health concerns.
d. The nurse provided the patient's family with Advanced Directive Form to fill out acknowledging that it has to be done in order to fulfill the patient's wishes.

Answer 1

The nurse showing empathy is most clearly represented by her sitting beside the patient's bed, holding their hand, and discussing health concerns, which reflects a caring and supportive presence.

Step-by-step explanation:

When interviewing a patient, the action that indicates the nurse is displaying empathy is the patient appreciating that the nurse has sat by her bedside and held her hand while they spoke about health concerns. This action demonstrates the nurse's ability to understand and share the feelings of the patient, which is foundational to empathetic interactions. By physically and emotionally offering support, without distractions, the nurse validates the patient's feelings and concerns, aligning with care ethics which emphasize compassion and taking responsibility to understand others' perspectives.