Psychiatric And Mental Health Nursing Discussion Paper
An RN is working with a 34-year-old patient admitted after surgical removal of a ruptured spleen and an open reduction internal fixation of her left femur after a multiple vehicle accident in which it has been determined that her husband was driving under the influence of alcohol. Her husband and a passenger in the second car were killed in the accident. In her acute grieving state, the patient verbalizes excessive guilt, stating she never should have let her husband drive after drinking at a party earlier on the evening of the accident. The patient tearfully sobs, “I’ve taken away my babies’ father, lost another family their loved one, and caused terrible grief to everyone! It’s all my fault. If only I’d insisted that I drive. I knew he’d been drinking, but it didn’t seem like he was drunk. This is all my fault! Everyone must really hate me. They must wish that it was me who died. I know I do.”
a. What techniques can the nurse use to help develop a therapeutic relationship?
b. Explain what events will occur in the working phase of this particular relationship.
Expert Answer
Step-by-step
- Active listening: This involves fully focusing on the patient and what they are saying, and showing that you are listening and understanding through nonverbal cues such as eye contact and nodding.
- Empathy: This involves understanding and being able to share the patient’s feelings. The nurse can demonstrate empathy by saying things like “I can imagine how difficult this must be for you,” or “I can see that you’re feeling overwhelmed.”
- Genuineness: This involves being authentic and genuine in your interactions with the patient. The nurse should be honest and open, and not try to hide their own feelings or thoughts.
- Respect: The nurse should always treat the patient with respect, and be aware of the patient’s needs and boundaries. Psychiatric And Mental Health Nursing Discussion Paper