Question

On entering a room the nurse sees the patient crying softly. What is the most therapeutic response?

A. I'll give you some time alone; let me know if you need anything.
B. Why are you crying? Everything went well with the surgery.
C. Crying is a normal response; it's okay to express your emotions.
D. Stop crying; you should focus on getting better.

Answer 1

The best therapeutic response is to validate the patient's feelings by acknowledging that crying is a normal and acceptable way to express emotions, which is supportive and helps in the healing process.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most therapeutic response when a nurse enters a room and sees a patient crying softly would be option C, which states 'Crying is a normal response; it's okay to express your emotions.' This response acknowledges the patient's feelings without judgment and validates the patient's emotional state as a normal part of the healing process. This reassurance can be comforting to a patient. In contrast, options A, B, and D may not be as supportive or could invalidate the patient's feelings, which is not conducive to a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship. Providing compassionate care and emotional support is crucial in nursing and helps in the patient's overall recovery.