A nurse in a mental health facility is caring for a client whose adult child states, "I feel guilty about admitting them to the facility." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A reason: Telling the adult child they will feel better once they go home dismisses their feelings and does not encourage open communication. It minimizes the emotional distress they are experiencing and fails to provide therapeutic support. Choice B reason: Asking "Why are you feeling this way?" can come across as confrontational or judgmental. It may make the adult child defensive rather than encouraging them to share their feelings openly. Therapeutic communication requires a more supportive and inviting approach. Choice C reason: Saying "I think you made the right decision" is reassuring but does not explore the adult child’s feelings. While it provides validation, it does not allow the nurse to fully understand the source of guilt or provide emotional support tailored to the situation. Choice D reason: Expressing interest in knowing more about what is bothering the adult child is therapeutic. It invites them to share their feelings in a nonjudgmental way, promotes open communication, and allows the nurse to assess and support their emotional needs. This is the correct answer.