The nurse will often display empathy in communication with clients. Of

The nurse will often display empathy in communication with clients. Of the following responses by the nurse, which one best conveys empathy?

1. “Good morning. How did you sleep last night?”
2. “I can understand your concern about learning to inject yourself.”
3. “Do you mean you would like to talk to the new family nurse practitioner?”
4. “Can you describe to me what the pain in your abdomen feels like right now?”

ANSWER

ANS: 2
“I can understand your concern about learning to inject yourself” is correct. Empathy is the abil-ity to understand and accept another person’s reality, to accurately perceive feelings, and to communicate this understanding to others. “Good morning. How did you sleep last night?” is asking a question. It does not convey empathy. “Do you mean you would like to talk to the new family nurse practitioner?” is asking a question to clarify the client’s meaning. It does not convey empathy. “Can you describe to me what the pain in your abdomen feels like right now?” is asking a relevant question that may focus on a particular topic. It is not an example of empathy.