HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

Which statement by the nurse demonstrates effective therapeutic interaction?

1. "You look upset. Would you like to talk about it?"

2. "I'd like to know more about your family. Tell me about them."

3. "I understand that you lost your partner. I don't think I could go on if that happened to me."

4. "You look very sad. How long have you been this way?"

The correct answer is: "You look upset. Would you like to talk about it?"

The statement, "You look upset. Would you like to talk about it?" exemplifies effective therapeutic interaction because it demonstrates empathy and invites the individual to share their feelings in a supportive manner. This approach acknowledges the individual's emotional state without imposing the nurse's own experiences or feelings, thereby promoting an open and safe environment for the patient to express themselves. By directly addressing the observed emotion of being upset and offering the option to discuss it, the nurse encourages communication and reinforces the therapeutic relationship. This kind of interaction helps build trust and validates the patient's feelings, which are crucial components of effective nursing care. In contrast, the other statements may not facilitate interaction as effectively. For instance, asking about the family may shift focus away from the patient’s immediate feelings and could make the patient feel like their emotions are not being prioritized. Expressing personal feelings about loss can inadvertently shift the focus onto the nurse's experience rather than supporting the patient, which can be seen as diminishing the patient’s own emotions. Finally, while acknowledging sadness is important, phrasing it in a way that seems to only inquire about duration rather than offering support may come across as more clinical than empathetic.