A client has just returned to the room after having a mammogram. The client is teary and in a shaky voice says to the nurse, "The radiology technician told me that it looks really bad - the tumor in my breast is very large." Which is the best response by the nurse? A)"I can see that you are very upset. Let's talk about what happened." B)"I'll report the technician to the head of the radiology department." C)"The technician never should have said that to you." D)"Your health care provider will discuss treatment options with you."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acknowledging that the client is upset conveys concern and understanding on the part of the nurse and helps establish a therapeutic dialogue. The client can vent feelings and discuss fears because the nurse provides the opportunity to talk about what happened (focusing and listening). This action also establishes interpersonal sensitivity and helps the nurse relate therapeutically to the client. Clients who feel threatened or injured by their medical condition(s) need to feel safe and supported. The nurse is in a unique position to provide the nurturing and caring that clients need as they cope with medical diagnoses and difficult situations. (Option B) This is not an appropriate response; the proper chain of command would have the nurse report the event to a supervisor. (Option C) This statement may be true, but it does not facilitate a dialogue about the client's feelings and fears. (Option D) This response does not address the client's feelings or what happened during the mammogram. Educational objective: Therapeutic communication techniques such as acknowledgement of feelings, focusing, and listening can help establish a dialogue and relationship with a client that is protective, supportive, nurturing, and caring.

A Client Has Just Returned to the Room After Having