A 45-year-old client who left his wife and kids says he cannot make ends meet while paying child support. Which nursing statement would be therapeutic?

A 45-year-old client who left his wife and kids says he cannot make ends meet while paying child support. Which nursing statement would be therapeutic?

• A. It sounds like you should reconcile
• B. Do you feel that child support is designed to help children, not punish spouses who leave?
• C. You should find another job
• D. You deserve a vacation

Answer: (B)

Therapeutic communication that invites the client to explore his feelings and beliefs about the situation is most effective here. The statement that asks, “Do you feel that child support is designed to help children, not punish spouses who leave?” uses an open-ended question to invite the client to express his thoughts and emotions. It validates his stress without judgment and reframes the issue around the purpose of child support and the needs of the children, which can reduce defensiveness and help him articulate how he feels—frustration, worry, or resentment—while considering his responsibilities. This approach fosters rapport, enables the nurse to assess coping and support needs, and encourages the client to discuss possible solutions rather than simply being told what to do. The other responses push toward a quick solution, make assumptions, or minimize the problem. Suggesting reconciliation, telling him to find another job, or encouraging a vacation can feel directive, judgmental, or dismissive of his financial and emotional strain, which is less therapeutic because it may shut down open dialogue and fail to address underlying feelings.

Therapeutic communication that invites the client to explore his feelings and beliefs about the situation is most effective here. The statement that asks, “Do you feel that child support is designed to help children, not punish spouses who leave?” uses an open-ended question to invite the client to express his thoughts and emotions. It validates his stress without judgment and reframes the issue around the purpose of child support and the needs of the children, which can reduce defensiveness and help him articulate how he feels—frustration, worry, or resentment—while considering his responsibilities. This approach fosters rapport, enables the nurse to assess coping and support needs, and encourages the client to discuss possible solutions rather than simply being told what to do.

The other responses push toward a quick solution, make assumptions, or minimize the problem. Suggesting reconciliation, telling him to find another job, or encouraging a vacation can feel directive, judgmental, or dismissive of his financial and emotional strain, which is less therapeutic because it may shut down open dialogue and fail to address underlying feelings.