The nurse is caring for a client who was admitted with various physica

The nurse is caring for a client who was admitted with various physical traumas resulting from an assault by a stranger attempting to steal her purse.

Which of the following statements made by the nurse is most therapeutic in assessing the degree of stress the event has caused the client?
1. “Would you like to talk about the attack?”
2. “What may I do to help you emotionally?”
3. “Has being attacked been traumatic for you?”
4. “How has this experience affected your life?”

ANSWER

ANS: 4
The vital question for a person in crisis is, “What does this mean to you; how is it going to affect your life?” What causes extreme stress for one person is not always stressful to another. The per-ception of the event, the situational supports, and the coping mechanisms all influence return of equilibrium or homeostasis. The other options are not as effective at opening up client-directed communication concerning the effects of the event.