A patient with anxiety says, “I am frightened that something terrible will happen.” Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?

Correct answer: C. “Tell me what you are feeling right now.”

  • A. “You should try to stop thinking about it.”
  • B. “There is no reason for you to feel afraid.”
  • C. “Tell me what you are feeling right now.”
  • D. “Other patients have problems worse than yours.”

Explanation

This open-ended response encourages the patient to describe feelings and supports further assessment. Giving false reassurance, comparing problems, or telling the patient to stop thinking can block communication and invalidate the emotion.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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About Foundations of Mental Health Nursing

Mental health nursing covers concepts of normal and abnormal behavior, major psychological theories, psychiatric assessment, the nurse’s therapeutic role, and the use of a safe therapeutic milieu. It also includes confidentiality, informed consent, patient rights, ethical decision-making, legal responsibilities, and individualized nursing care planning.

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