The client tells the nurse, 'I don't think you can help me. Every time I talk to you, I am reminded of my mother, and I hated her.' The nurse should recognize this as

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Transference occurs when the client unconsciously transfers to the nurse feelings he or she has for significant others. Confrontation is a technique used to highlight the incongruence between a person's verbalizations and actual behavior. Countertransference occurs when the therapist displaces onto the client attitudes or feelings from his or her past. Incongruence occurs when the communication content and process disagree.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Sympathy can lead to over-involvement, where the nurse tries to please the client, making manipulation easier (B). This stifles the client’s ability to explore issues (C), hinders personal growth (D), and fosters dependency (E). Choice A, while possible, isn’t a direct outcome of sympathy’s impact on the therapeutic relationship as described, so it’s not selected.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse incorporated the nontherapeutic technique of defending in their response to the patient's frustration about the doctor not spending enough time with them. By stating, "The doctors are very busy," the nurse is attempting to justify or excuse the doctor's behavior rather than acknowledging the patient's feelings and concerns. Option A) Belittling is incorrect because the nurse did not diminish the patient's feelings or make them feel small. Option C) Disagreeing is incorrect because the nurse did not directly contradict the patient but instead tried to explain the situation. Option D) Introducing an unrelated topic is incorrect because the nurse did not steer the conversation away from the patient's concerns. From an educational perspective, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to practice therapeutic communication techniques that validate patients' feelings, show empathy, and promote a trusting relationship. Defending can create barriers to effective communication and hinder the development of a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship. Nurses should strive to listen actively, acknowledge patients' emotions, and respond in a supportive and understanding manner to enhance patient-centered care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) To offer comfort and support for the patient. The purpose of the nurse's touch in this situation is to provide emotional support and convey empathy to the patient who is crying. Touch is a powerful form of non-verbal communication that can convey care, compassion, and understanding. Option A, to express sympathy to the patient, is not the best choice because sympathy is about recognizing and acknowledging the patient's emotions, whereas comfort involves actively providing solace and support. Option B, to assess the patient's skin temperature and circulation status, is incorrect as the touch is more about emotional support rather than a physical assessment. Option D, to extend an offer of friendship to the patient, is not the most appropriate choice as the primary focus in this situation is on providing comfort and support to a distressed individual. From an educational perspective, it is important for nurses to understand the therapeutic use of touch in patient care. Touch can be a powerful tool in establishing rapport, building trust, and providing comfort to patients in emotional distress. By recognizing the significance of touch in nursing practice, nurses can enhance their ability to provide holistic care and support to patients in need.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct response, option A, "Are you telling me you would like to go to the movies?" is the most therapeutic because it reflects active listening and encourages the patient to express their desires and interests. This response shows empathy and validates the patient's feelings, fostering a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship. Option B, "Why don't you look in the newspaper?" is dismissive and does not acknowledge the patient's statement or feelings. It does not promote open communication or address the patient's underlying need for connection. Option C, "There's nothing worth watching," is negative and discouraging. It does not support the patient's expression of interest and may lead to feelings of invalidation or disinterest from the nurse. Option D, "Do you like to go to the movies?" is a closed-ended question that does not encourage further discussion or exploration of the patient's thoughts and feelings. It does not demonstrate active listening or therapeutic communication techniques. In an educational context, understanding and practicing therapeutic communication techniques are essential for nurses to establish trust, build rapport, and support patients in expressing their emotions and needs. By choosing the most appropriate responses that validate and empathize with patients, nurses can enhance the quality of care and promote positive patient outcomes.