A client has just been transferred to a new facility from another hosp

QUESTION

A client has just been transferred to a new facility from another hospital at his insistence. The client is demanding a second opinion because he feels that “They must have made a mistake.”

The nurse recognizes that the best communication technique to use with this client is to

a. clarify the client’s response.
b. reflect the client’s behavior.
c. summarize the client’s behavior.
d. acknowledge the client’s feelings.

ANSWER:

ANS: B
Denial is a coping mechanism being used by this client. Personal reflections are critical sources of assessment data. Once rapport is established, the nurse should ask the client how he learned of his diagnosis. The nurse must accept the client’s way of dealing with the stress and readiness to talk. Feelings are blocked during denial.