A nurse is collecting data from a client who is at 12 weeks of gestation. The client states, "We've been trying to get pregnant for several months. but now I'm not sure I'm ready." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. "You need to talk to a therapist about how you're feeling.": Referring to a therapist may be appropriate later if needed, but this response does not validate the client’s feelings or provide immediate emotional support. It may also make the client feel dismissed. B. "Wouldn't worry about it if I were you. You'll be a good mother.": This response minimizes the client’s feelings and provides reassurance rather than acknowledging their ambivalence. Minimization can inhibit open communication and does not promote therapeutic rapport. C. "Why do you feel that way if you've been trying to get pregnant?": Asking "why" can come across as judgmental or confrontational and may make the client defensive. It does not provide support or normalize the experience of mixed emotions. D. "Many women experience feelings of ambivalence during pregnancy.": This response normalizes the client’s feelings, validating their experience without judgment. It encourages open discussion and helps the client feel understood, which is a key aspect of therapeutic communication.