Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

When a parent expresses feelings of inadequacy while caring for a child with terminal cancer, which is the best response for the nurse?

1. "Tell me more about what you are feeling."

2. "I understand how you are feeling."

3. "Let's talk about home care for your child."

4. "I'm sure you're just tired right now."

The correct answer is: "Tell me more about what you are feeling."

The response "Tell me more about what you are feeling" is appropriate because it invites the parent to express their emotions and helps them articulate their feelings of inadequacy. This approach demonstrates active listening and empathy, allowing the parent to feel validated in their experiences. By encouraging the parent to share more, the nurse creates an open dialogue that can lead to a deeper understanding of the parent’s concerns and needs, as well as provide emotional support. This method also aligns with therapeutic communication techniques, where the focus is on the patient's or caregiver's feelings and experiences. Engaging the parent in conversation allows the nurse to gather important information, which could be helpful in providing further support or resources as needed. In contrast, expressing understanding without encouraging further discussion might not address the parent's specific feelings adequately. Similarly, shifting the topic to home care or assuming the parent is just tired could minimize their emotional experience, which might prevent them from feeling comfortable sharing their true feelings.