Question

A patient scheduled to attend various group sessions complains, "I'm really mad about having to attend all those groups. No one else spends all day in a circle in a little room." Select the nurse's best response.

a. "Why are you upset?"
b. "I can hear that you are upset. Let's talk about it."
c. "Just go along with the plan, even if you do not agree."
d. "The groups are carefully planned by staff to benefit patients."

Answer 1

The best response for a nurse to give to a patient upset about group sessions is to acknowledge the patient's feelings and prompt a discussion, which demonstrates empathy and opens a path to understanding the patient's concerns.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's best response to a patient complaining about attending group sessions is option B: "I can hear that you are upset. Let's talk about it." This response validates the patient's feelings and opens a dialog to discuss any concerns, closely aligning with the principles of patient-centered care. It goes beyond simply acknowledging the presence of anger (option A) and instead invites conversation, which can lead to better understanding and potential solutions. Unlike option C, which dismisses the patient's feelings, or option D, which might feel patronizing, option B shows respect for the patient's perspective.

When healthcare professionals utilize good communication and problem-solving techniques, they can more effectively support their patients. By encouraging patients to express their feelings and concerns, healthcare providers can help them understand the importance of treatment plans and perhaps alleviate some of the distress associated with them.