A client who is breathing rapidly before a diagnostic test says, "I cannot do this. I feel completely out of control." Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?
1I will inform the provider that you are too anxious and want to cancel the test now.
2If you do not calm down, your rapid breathing may alter the test accuracy significantly.
3It is normal to feel anxious; just lie back and focus on taking slow, deep breaths.
4Tell me what feels most frightening right now, and we will take one step at a time.✓ Correct answer
Explanation
The therapeutic response acknowledges distress, invites the client to describe feelings, and offers stepwise support. Telling the client to calm down, immediately canceling the test, or minimizing the concern blocks communication and does not help the client regain control.
Clinical Judgment For anxiety, use presence, open-ended exploration, and concrete step-by-step support.
Memory Tip Name the feeling, invite details, give one next step.
KR vs US NCLEX communication items reward validation and client autonomy rather than reassurance that dismisses emotion.
Clinical Practice GuideTherapeutic communication uses open-ended prompts, reflection, validation, and simple next steps to reduce anxiety and maintain client autonomy.
CautionAvoid false reassurance, minimization, advice-giving, or commands.
Therapeutic Communication — A purposeful communication approach that validates feelings and supports client-centered problem solving.
Anxiety — A state of apprehension that may include rapid breathing, trembling, fear, or difficulty concentrating.
Grounding — A technique that redirects attention to present, concrete details to reduce escalating anxiety.