The client says it's comforting to stay with her daughter while she recovers and worries about being a burden. Which response is most appropriate for the nurse to use to validate her feelings?

The client says it's comforting to stay with her daughter while she recovers and worries about being a burden. Which response is most appropriate for the nurse to use to validate her feelings?

• A. I am sure your daughter is glad to be able to help you.
• B. It is comforting to have support from family.
• C. It sounds as if your daughter has been really helpful.
• D. What other responsibilities does your daughter have?

Answer: (C)

Validating feelings through reflective listening helps the client feel understood and encourages her to express more. Saying, “It sounds as if your daughter has been really helpful,” reflects the client’s experience and acknowledges the support she’s receiving without judging or assuming someone else’s emotions. It validates her perception of comfort and the worry about being a burden by focusing on how the situation feels to her, which can open up further discussion and relieve some emotional burden. The other responses miss this empathetic reflection: they either assume how the daughter feels, state a general truth without tying it to the client’s emotion, or shift the topic to other responsibilities.

Validating feelings through reflective listening helps the client feel understood and encourages her to express more.

Saying, “It sounds as if your daughter has been really helpful,” reflects the client’s experience and acknowledges the support she’s receiving without judging or assuming someone else’s emotions. It validates her perception of comfort and the worry about being a burden by focusing on how the situation feels to her, which can open up further discussion and relieve some emotional burden.

The other responses miss this empathetic reflection: they either assume how the daughter feels, state a general truth without tying it to the client’s emotion, or shift the topic to other responsibilities.