# A client says, ‘Everyone would be better off without me.’ Drag each possible nurse response to the appropriate communication category.

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=568943&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Therapeutic Communication  
> category: PSI

## Question

A client says, ‘Everyone would be better off without me.’ Drag each possible nurse response to the appropriate communication category.

**1.** Tell me what feels most difficult right now.

Select a category
Therapeutic and assessment-focused
Blocks communication or risk assessment

**2.** You sound overwhelmed. I can stay while we work through the next step.

Select a category
Therapeutic and assessment-focused
Blocks communication or risk assessment

**3.** What helped you cope the last time you felt this way?

Select a category
Therapeutic and assessment-focused
Blocks communication or risk assessment

**4.** When you say everyone would be better off, are you thinking about killing yourself?

Select a category
Therapeutic and assessment-focused
Blocks communication or risk assessment

**5.** You should not feel that way; your family needs you.

Select a category
Therapeutic and assessment-focused
Blocks communication or risk assessment

**6.** Why did you stop taking your medication?

Select a category
Therapeutic and assessment-focused
Blocks communication or risk assessment

**7.** Everything will be fine once you get some sleep.

Select a category
Therapeutic and assessment-focused
Blocks communication or risk assessment

**8.** If you cooperate, you will be able to go home sooner.

Select a category
Therapeutic and assessment-focused
Blocks communication or risk assessment

## Explanation

Therapeutic responses explore the client's experience, reflect emotion, identify coping, and ask directly about suicide. Advice, ‘why’ questions, false reassurance, minimizing, and coercive promises block assessment and trust.

## In-depth explanation

Quick answer
Choose responses that open the conversation and make risk visible.

Why this is correct
Open invitations, reflection, and questions about prior coping gather useful data without taking control away from the client. The statement ‘better off without me’ requires a clear, direct suicide question. Telling the client what to feel, asking accusatory ‘why’ questions, promising that everything will be fine, or linking discharge to cooperation can suppress honest disclosure.

NCLEX decision rule
Do not trade comfort for assessment. Acknowledge, clarify, ask directly about safety, and remain present.References
1NIMH Adult Brief Suicide Safety Assessment Guide
2NCSBN 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan

## Clinical scenario

Therapeutic communication and suicide screening
The nurse must acknowledge emotion, invite description, and assess suicide risk directly without judgment or false reassurance.

## Key concepts

- **Reflection** — Restating or naming feelings to show understanding.
- **False Reassurance** — Offering unsupported comfort that may block communication.
- **Open-Ended Question** — A question that invites a fuller response.

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