The nurse is working with the client and trying to clarify the client’

The nurse is working with the client and trying to clarify the client’s values regarding his care. Which of the following statements reflects an example of the type of response a nurse should use in a values clarification situation?

1. “Your questions were pretty blunt.”
2. “Tell me what you’re thinking right now.”
3. “I’ve felt that way before. I’d be upset, too.”
4. “You seem concerned about your tests. Let me explain them.”

ANSWER

ANS: 2
“Tell me what you’re thinking right now” is correct. Values clarification is a process of self-discovery in which the nurse should assist the client. The goal of values clarification with a client is effective nurse-client communication. As the client becomes more willing to express problems and feelings, the nurse can better establish an individualized plan of care. The character of a nurse’s response to a client can motivate the client to examine personal thoughts and actions. When the nurse makes a clarifying response, it should be brief and nonjudgmental. “Your ques-tions were pretty blunt” is incorrect. Values clarification is a process of self-discovery in which the nurse should assist the client. The character of a nurse’s response to a client can motivate the client to examine personal thoughts and actions. When the nurse makes a clarifying response, it should be brief and nonjudgmental. The client is being judgmental in this response. “I’ve felt that way before. I’d be upset, too” is incorrect as well. The nurse should not influence the client with his or her own values, even if they are similar. “You seem concerned about your tests. Let me ex-plain them” is also incorrect. This statement is therapeutic in that it is reflective of a client’s feel-ing, and offers information. However, it does not encourage the client to examine their values.