A nurse is caring for a client who is obese. The client is crying and states, "Everyone is staring at me because of my weight." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "Have you always felt uncomfortable being overweight?": This question focuses on the client’s past experiences rather than acknowledging and validating the client’s current feelings, which may not provide immediate emotional support. B. "It sounds like you're saying that you feel uncomfortable around others.": This response uses reflective listening to validate the client’s emotions and encourages further expression of feelings. It focuses on the client’s current experience and promotes therapeutic communication. C. "Let's discuss some weight loss strategies that might work for you.": Introducing weight loss strategies prematurely can minimize the client’s emotional distress and shift focus away from their feelings. Addressing emotions first is essential before discussing interventions. D. "How long have you struggled with your weight?": Asking about the duration of the client’s weight struggles may inadvertently cause the client to feel judged or scrutinized. It does not immediately provide support or validation for their current emotional state.