A nurse enters the room of a client recently told their cancer has metastasized. The client says, 'I don't understand why this is happening to me. I've done everything right.' Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
- A.'I'm sure your doctor will come up with a treatment plan. Try not to worry.'
- B.'Cancer can happen to anyone; it doesn't mean you did something wrong.'
- C.'It sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed by this news. I'm here with you.'
- D.'Would you like me to call your family so they can come be with you?'
Show answer & rationale
Correct answer
C. 'It sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed by this news. I'm here with you.'
Rationale
C is correct: Acknowledging the client's emotional state and offering presence is the most therapeutic response. It validates feelings without deflecting, offering false reassurance, or redirecting. The client needs to feel heard first. A is incorrect: 'Try not to worry' is false reassurance and minimizes the client's very real concern. B is incorrect: While factually accurate, explaining the cause of cancer is a cognitive response to an emotional statement and does not address what the client is feeling. D is incorrect: Offering to call family may eventually be appropriate, but doing so immediately redirects away from the client and avoids addressing their emotional need.
Key concepts