The nurse enters a client’s room and finds her crying softly. The most

The nurse enters a client’s room and finds her crying softly. The most therapeutic statement the nurse can make at this time is to ask:

1. “Are you alright?”
2. “Why are you crying?”
3. “What can I do to help you?”
4. “Is being hospitalized upsetting you?”

ANSWER

ANS: 2
Sounds have several interpretations: crying may communicate happiness, sadness, or anger. The nurse needs to validate such nonverbal messages with the client to interpret them accurately. Although the other options may elicit information regarding the client’s tears, they make assump-tions or attempt to provide generalized comfort without first establishing the cause of the tears.