A client is discussing her problematic marital relationship with the nurse. Which statement by the nurse is an example of the nontherapeutic communication technique of giving reassurance?
“I think you should try marital counseling. I’ve had to do that myself once and it helped.”
“Why don’t you see a conflict resolution specialist? I can give you that information.”
“I agree with you. He should not argue with you when he has problems at work that are not your fault.”
“Everything will be okay if you talk to him about how it makes you feel.”
Number 4 is correct.
Rationale: Telling the client that everything will be okay or not to worry is an example of giving reassurance. Options 1 and 2 are examples of giving advice instead of asking the client what she thinks she should do. The nurse should never offer solutions that she has tried, as it takes focus off the client. Agreeing or disagreeing with the client implies that the nurse has the right to judge the client’s ideas as right or wrong.
