A home health nurse is caring for a client who reports feeling tired and being unable to grocery shop. Which of the following responses by the nurse is an example of therapeutic communication?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "Have you thought about taking a sleeping pill?": This response directs the client toward a specific intervention without exploring their feelings or needs. It is not therapeutic because it assumes a solution rather than facilitating communication or understanding. B. "Your fatigue will pass, and everything will be just fine.": This is reassuring in a non-specific way and can minimize the client’s experience. It does not validate the client’s feelings or encourage further discussion about their needs. C. "Do you have a family member who can assist you?": While this gathers some information, it is closed-ended and may limit further discussion. It does not explore the client’s concerns or collaboratively plan support. D. "Let's discuss how to get you the help you need.": This response demonstrates therapeutic communication by acknowledging the client’s difficulty, showing empathy, and inviting collaborative problem-solving. It encourages open dialogue and focuses on practical support.