An elderly client tells you that her husband is forgetful and sometimes leaves the stove on. Which response by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic communication?

An elderly client tells you that her husband is forgetful and sometimes leaves the stove on. Which response by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic communication?

• A. You seem concerned about your husband.
• B. Many people become forgetful as they age.
• C. Offer to have a sitter stay with the client.
• D. Suggest that the husband be placed in a board and care facility.

Answer: (A)

Therapeutic communication starts with validating the speaker’s feelings and inviting them to share more. Saying “You seem concerned about your husband” mirrors the wife’s emotion back to her, which shows you’re listening and understand her worry. This reflection helps her feel heard, reduces defensiveness, and opens the door for her to tell you more about what she’s experiencing and what safety concerns she has. In this scenario, the wife is expressing worry that her husband forgets things and leaves the stove on. A response that acknowledges that concern and invites further discussion keeps the conversation supportive and collaborative rather than judgmental or prescriptive. It allows the nurse to assess safety and offer appropriate help after the feelings have been expressed. Other options shift quickly to giving general statements, offering immediate solutions, or making a judgment about the husband’s situation, which can shut down the conversation and leave the wife feeling unheard.

Therapeutic communication starts with validating the speaker’s feelings and inviting them to share more. Saying “You seem concerned about your husband” mirrors the wife’s emotion back to her, which shows you’re listening and understand her worry. This reflection helps her feel heard, reduces defensiveness, and opens the door for her to tell you more about what she’s experiencing and what safety concerns she has.

In this scenario, the wife is expressing worry that her husband forgets things and leaves the stove on. A response that acknowledges that concern and invites further discussion keeps the conversation supportive and collaborative rather than judgmental or prescriptive. It allows the nurse to assess safety and offer appropriate help after the feelings have been expressed.

Other options shift quickly to giving general statements, offering immediate solutions, or making a judgment about the husband’s situation, which can shut down the conversation and leave the wife feeling unheard.