A patient says, “I cannot cope with my diagnosis.” Which response should the nurse use first?
Correct answer: B. What part of the diagnosis feels most difficult for you?
- A. Many people live normally after receiving this diagnosis.
- B. What part of the diagnosis feels most difficult for you?
- C. You need to focus on the treatment plan now.
- D. Do you mean you are unable to cope today?
Explanation
The open-ended response invites the patient to identify the specific problem and supports further assessment. Reassurance and advice may minimise the patient's feelings, while a closed question limits the response.
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About Therapeutic Communication
Therapeutic communication covers active listening, empathy, clarification, reflection, silence, open-ended questioning, and purposeful responses that help patients express thoughts and feelings. It distinguishes therapeutic techniques from barriers such as false reassurance, advice-giving, judgment, changing the subject, probing, and asking repeated or closed questions.
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