A patient says, “I’ve done a lot of cheating and manipulating in my relationships.” Select a nonjudgmental response by the nurse. A. “How do you feel about that?” B. “I am glad that you realize this.” C. “That’s not a good way to behave.” D. “Have you outgrown that type of behavior.”
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: A. “How do you feel about that?”
This is the most appropriate and nonjudgmental response. It encourages the patient to reflect on their behavior without fear of being judged, which is essential in therapeutic communication. The goal of psychiatric and mental health nursing is to create a safe and supportive environment where patients can openly share their thoughts and feelings.
The response, “How do you feel about that?” invites the patient to explore their emotions and the meaning behind their actions. It shows empathy and interest without assigning blame or making assumptions. Open-ended questions like this allow the nurse to better understand the patient’s perspective, which can lead to deeper insight and personal growth for the patient.
In contrast, option B, “I am glad that you realize this,” carries an evaluative tone and implies approval, which might pressure the patient to seek the nurse’s validation rather than truly reflect on their behavior.
Option C, “That’s not a good way to behave,” is clearly judgmental and can shut down communication. It imposes the nurse’s values on the patient, which can cause defensiveness and hinder therapeutic progress.
Option D, “Have you outgrown that type of behavior?” assumes change and can come across as condescending or patronizing. It also suggests that the patient should already have made improvements, which may discourage honesty.
Therapeutic communication relies on neutrality, active listening, and allowing the patient to lead the discussion of their experiences. Using nonjudgmental and open-ended questions helps build trust and strengthens the nurse-patient relationship, laying the groundwork for effective mental health support and treatment.