In working with a client who is newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus

In working with a client who is newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, the nurse provides feedback to the client on her progress in learning the treatment regimen. Of the following, the nurse demonstrates the use of therapeutic communication by stating:

1. “I believe that you have come a long way in learning how to manage your care.”
2. “It didn’t look like you were ever going to be able to get the injection technique.”
3. “Check your blood sugar unless you really want to come back to the hospital again.”
4. “You don’t appear to have any real interest in managing your daily dietary in-take.”

ANSWER

ANS: 1
In stating, “I believe that you have come a long way in learning how to manage your care” the nurse is demonstrating the use of therapeutic communication by sharing hope. The nurse is point-ing out that personal growth can come from illness experiences. “It didn’t look like you were ever going to be able to get the injection technique” is a negative statement. The nurse should not state observations that might embarrass or anger the client. “Check your blood sugar unless you really want to come back to the hospital again” does not demonstrate the use of therapeutic communi-cation. It implies disapproval and is an aggressive, threatening type of response. “You don’t ap-pear to have any real interest in managing your daily dietary intake” is not a therapeutic state-ment. It is negative and aggressive in nature. If it is a true observation, it is one the nurse should not state as it could anger the client.