A nurse is caring for a client who has cancer and is scheduled for immediate chemotherapy. The client tells the nurse that she wants to try nontraditional treatments first. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. This response is judgmental and dismissive, which may make the client defensive and hinder open communication. It does not encourage the client to share their thoughts or feelings. B. This response demonstrates therapeutic communication by using an open-ended question that invites the client to express their feelings, fears, and beliefs about chemotherapy and nontraditional treatments. It shows empathy, respect for client autonomy, and supports shared decision-making. The nurse’s role is to explore the client’s understanding and concerns before providing education or recommendations. C. This response places authority on the provider rather than empowering the client. It fails to acknowledge the client’s autonomy and concerns about treatment options. D. This response is directive and nontherapeutic, as it discourages discussion and disregards the client’s values and preferences. The nurse should not impose personal opinions but instead facilitate informed decision-making.