Question

While receiving a preoperative enema, a client starts to cry and says, "I'm sorry you have to do this messy thing for me." What is the nurse's best response?

1 "I don't mind it."
2 "You seem upset."
3 "This is part of my job."
4 "Nurses get used to this."

Answer 1

The most appropriate response for a nurse is to acknowledge the patient's feelings with an empathetic statement like "You seem upset," rather than providing dismissive or unrelated responses.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's best response when a client becomes emotional about receiving an enema would be to show empathy and reassure the patient. Among the choices given, the second option is most appropriate:

"You seem upset."

By acknowledging the client's feelings, the nurse is showing empathy and opening the door for the patient to express their emotions, which is crucial in providing holistic care. This response validates the patient's feelings without making light of them. On the contrary, the other options risk dismissing the client's distress or do not engage with the patient's emotional state.