A nurse is interviewing the partner of a client who was admitted in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. The partner states, "I don't know what to do. Everything has been happening so quickly." Which of the following responses by the nurse is therapeutic?

A. "You should make sure your partner takes the prescribed medication." While medication adherence is important, this response shifts the focus to advice-giving rather than exploring the partner’s emotions or current experience, which limits therapeutic communication. B. "You did the right thing by bringing your partner in for treatment." Although supportive, this statement closes off the conversation and doesn’t invite the partner to share more about their feelings or the situation at home. C. "Can you talk about what was happening with your partner at home?" This open-ended, therapeutic response encourages the partner to express their thoughts and emotions, facilitating a better understanding of the client’s condition and the impact it has had on the family. D. "Why do you think your partner's symptoms are progressing so quickly?" Asking “why” can feel accusatory or put the partner on the defensive. It may also imply blame, which is not helpful in building trust or gathering therapeutic insight.