Test Bank for Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care, 4e 4th Edition - Therapeutic Relationships and the Clinical Interview Related

Review Test Bank for Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care, 4e 4th Edition - Therapeutic Relationships and the Clinical Interview related questions and content

Which statement shows a nurse has empathy for a patient who made a suicide attempt?

  • A. You must have been very upset when you tried to hurt yourself.'
  • B. It makes me sad to see you going through such a difficult experience.'
  • C. If you tell me what is troubling you, I can help you solve your problems.'
  • D. Suicide is a drastic solution to a problem that may not be such a serious matter.'
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Empathy permits the nurse to see an event from the patient's perspective, understand the patient's feelings, and communicate this to the patient. The incorrect responses are nurse-centered, belittling, or sympathetic.