22. An adolescent client is diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and discloses an incestuous relationship. Which is a nurse's most therapeutic response?
22. An adolescent client is diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and discloses an incestuous relationship. Which is a nurse's most therapeutic response?
. "Tell me more about what happened when you were younger."
. "You will be okay, just keep on talking."
. "What kind of comfort food do you want tonight?"
. "Can you tell me how you feel about what happened?"
Test-Taking Tip
Focus on feelings (Answer 4) rather than facts (Answer 1).
Content Area: Mental Health, Therapeutic Communication; Integrated Process: Communication and Documentation; Cognitive Level: Analysis; Client Need/Subneed: Psychosocial Integrity/Therapeutic Communications
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Answer 1 is incorrect because it is a nontherapeutic approach and the nurse is probing for a factual account about a past event. Answer 2 is incorrect because it is a nontherapeutic approach and the nurse is using false reassurance. Answer 3 is incorrect because it is a nontherapeutic approach and the nurse switches focus to food, away from feelings. Answer 4 is correct because the nurse is using a therapeutic approach by encouraging expression of feelings.