A confused client repeatedly says, "I need to go home right now" Which nursing response demonstrates therapeutic redirection ?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Telling a confused patient they are already home when they do not recognize their surroundings is a form of reality orientation that can be dismissive or agitating. It invalidates the client's current emotional state and feelings of displacement, which often leads to increased anxiety, resistance, and potential behavioral escalation. Choice B reason: Deflecting the responsibility of the stay onto the family can cause the client to feel betrayed by their loved ones or fearful of the nurse's authority. This response lacks empathy and fails to address the underlying distress or the need for comfort, potentially damaging the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship and trust. Choice C reason: Reminding a confused client that a topic has already been discussed is non-therapeutic and demeaning. Clients with cognitive impairment often lose the ability to retain recent conversations. This response is confrontational, ignores the patient's emotional needs, and does nothing to de-escalate the client's urge to leave the facility. Choice D reason: This response utilizes therapeutic communication by first acknowledging and validating the client's feelings ("I can see you're worried"). It then employs redirection by asking an open-ended question about a familiar, comforting topic. This shifts the focus away from the exit-seeking behavior while promoting a sense of safety and engagement.