A nurse is caring for a client who has a history of partner violence and notices that the client is self-isolating. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Introduction: Therapeutic communication with trauma survivors requires non-judgmental observation and open-ended questions to foster a safe environment that encourages the expression of feelings without the pressure of forced social interaction. A. "I see that you're sitting alone. Tell me how you're doing today" is a therapeutic approach that uses an observation followed by an open-ended question. This acknowledges the client's presence without being intrusive or demanding. It allows the client to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable with at that moment. B. "Why are you not interested in making new friends?" is non-therapeutic because it begins with "why," which often makes clients feel defensive. Furthermore, it makes an assumption about the client's interests and places a social expectation on a person who may be utilizing isolation as a coping mechanism for their past trauma. C. "Is there a reason why?" is a closed-ended question that focuses on finding a cause rather than exploring the client's current emotional state. Like many "why" questions, it can be perceived as an interrogation of the client's behavior, which can be particularly triggering for a survivor of intimate partner violence. D. "You should join the group" is a non-therapeutic statement that gives advice and uses a "should" statement. This exerts pressure on the client and disregards their current need for space. Giving advice undermines the client's autonomy and can hinder the development of the therapeutic alliance by being overly directive.