RN Exam Practice
Psychosocial IntegrityQuestion 1436 of 2368

A client appears upset. Which nurse response is most therapeutic?

  1. "Why are you so upset?"
  2. "You should not be upset; your doctor is very good."
  3. "Everyone gets upset when they are in the hospital."
  4. "You seem upset. Tell me more about how you are feeling."
Show answer

Correct answer: "You seem upset. Tell me more about how you are feeling."

"Why" questions can sound like accusations and make clients defensive. A statement that invites the client to share feelings is better.

Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Communication: NONTHERAPEUTIC RESPONSES. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Psychosocial Integrity"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026