A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who begins to cry and states, "Nobody loves me. I don't deserve to be here!" Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
Explanation & Rationale
A) Why do you think nobody loves you?: This response may come across as dismissive or as questioning the client's feelings. It could potentially make the client feel defensive or misunderstood. Instead of questioning the client, it is more important to acknowledge their emotional state and offer support. B) I am sure your parents love you: While the nurse may be trying to reassure the client, this response can minimize the client’s feelings. It also assumes that the issue is related to the parents, which may not be the case. It’s important to allow the client to express their feelings without prematurely offering reassurance. C) "Don't worry, things will get better.": While this response is meant to be comforting, it can be seen as invalidating the client’s current emotional experience. It dismisses the client's distress by suggesting that things will get better without addressing the emotions they are expressing in the moment. D) "Let's talk about what is upsetting you.": This response is the most appropriate because it acknowledges the client’s emotional state and invites them to share their feelings in a non-judgmental way. It opens up a dialogue, allowing the nurse to explore the underlying causes of the client’s distress and provide appropriate support.