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 did the right thing by bringing your partner in for treatment.": While supportive, this statement provides reassurance rather than facilitating expression of feelings or exploration of the partner’s experience. Therapeutic communication focuses on encouraging dialogue and understanding. B. "Why do you think your partner's symptoms are progressing so quickly?": Asking “why” can come across as judgmental and may make the partner defensive. It does not encourage open discussion about feelings or experiences, which is central to therapeutic interaction. C. "Can you talk about what was happening with your partner at home?": This open-ended statement encourages the partner to describe observations and feelings, promoting emotional expression and building rapport. It facilitates assessment of the home environment and caregiving challenges, which is essential in planning support. D. "You should make sure your partner takes the prescribed medication.": This directive focuses on compliance rather than exploring the partner’s emotional state or providing support. It does not address the partner’s immediate feelings of overwhelm and uncertainty.