Therapeutic Communication Case Scenarios: The Patient ✓ Solved
Therapeutic Communication Case Scenarioscase 1 - The Patient Was Admi
Determine effective ways the nurse could respond to the patient who is contemplating treatment options after being diagnosed with cancer, and how to initiate a therapeutic conversation with an elderly patient expressing despair. Use supportive communication techniques rooted in nursing best practices and reference appropriate professional sources and textbooks.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Effective therapeutic communication is a fundamental skill for nurses, especially when assisting patients facing difficult diagnoses or emotional distress. It fosters trust, promotes patient understanding, and supports emotional well-being. This paper explores appropriate nurse responses in two case scenarios—one involving a cancer patient uncertain about treatment and another involving an elderly patient expressing hopelessness—supported by evidence-based communication strategies from nursing literature.
Case 1: Responding to a Patient Uncertain About Cancer Treatment
The first scenario involves a newly diagnosed cancer patient who exhibits fear and uncertainty regarding radiation and chemotherapy. The nurse’s role is to provide a supportive environment facilitating expression of emotions and assisting in decision-making. When the patient states, “I guess so,” in response to the invitation to talk to Dr. Jones, the nurse can respond in several therapeutic ways.
One effective approach is to acknowledge the patient's feelings and provide reassurance. For example, the nurse might say, “It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed right now. Would you like me to sit with you while you talk to the doctor?” This response validates the patient’s emotions and offers support without pressuring her, aligning with principles of empathetic communication outlined by Arnold and Boggs (2019).
Another approach involves providing information and encouragement. The nurse can ask, “Would you like me to help you prepare questions to ask Dr. Jones, or maybe discuss any concerns you have before the appointment?” This strategy empowers the patient, encourages active participation, and addresses possible knowledge gaps, consistent with the health-belief model (Becker, 1974).
Finally, the nurse could employ active listening techniques, such as reflecting or summarizing, to demonstrate empathy: “It sounds like you're trying to work through your feelings about treatment. That’s a lot to handle.” Such responses show attentiveness and foster trust, as described in Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations (Peplau, 1952).
References:
- Arnold, E., & Boggs, K. (2019). Interpersonal relationships in nursing (8th ed.). Elsevier.
- Becker, M. H. (1974). The health belief model and preventative health behavior. Health Education Monographs, 2(4), 324–508.
- Peplau, H. E. (1952). Interpersonal Relations in Nursing. Springer Publishing Company.
Case 2: Initiating a Therapeutic Conversation with a Hopeless Elderly Patient
The second scenario involves an elderly patient who appears withdrawn, with a tray of untouched food and a declaration of having little time or purpose. The nurse’s challenge is to establish a therapeutic dialogue that addresses underlying feelings of despair and fosters emotional connection.
A suitable initial statement might be, “It looks like you’re resting. Would you like to talk about how you’re feeling today?” This open-ended question invites the patient to share thoughts without feeling pressured and demonstrates genuine concern (Arnold & Boggs, 2019).
If the patient responds with resignation, such as “Don’t bother with me. I don’t have much time left in this world,” the nurse can respond empathetically: “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed and perhaps hopeless right now. I’m here to listen if you'd like to share more about what you're experiencing.” This type of response validates the patient's feelings and provides a safe space for expression (Travelbee, 1966).
Another therapeutic response involves offering reassurance and showing respect for the patient's emotions: “It’s understandable to feel this way when facing difficult circumstances. Sometimes sharing your thoughts can help lighten the burden a bit.” Such statements are consistent with the philosophy of compassionate communication and can help build rapport (Nash, 2020).
Furthermore, the nurse could gently introduce activities that promote connection or distract from despair, such as reminiscing or discussing favorite memories, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
References:
- Arnold, E., & Boggs, K. (2019). Interpersonal relationships in nursing (8th ed.). Elsevier.
- Nash, M. (2020). Compassionate communication skills in nursing practice. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 76(3), 537–544.
- Travelbee, J. (1966). Interpersonal aspects of nursing. Drawing on human-to-human relationship approach.
Conclusion
Effective therapeutic communication requires sensitivity, empathy, and adaptable strategies tailored to individual patient needs. In both scenarios—supporting a patient uncertain about treatment and engaging with an elderly patient experiencing despair—the nurse's responses should validate feelings, provide information, and foster trust. Applying established communication models and theories, grounded in nursing literature, enhances the therapeutic relationship and supports positive health outcomes.
References
- Arnold, E., & Boggs, K. (2019). Interpersonal relationships in nursing (8th ed.). Elsevier.
- Becker, M. H. (1974). The health belief model and preventative health behavior. Health Education Monographs, 2(4), 324–508.
- Nash, M. (2020). Compassionate communication skills in nursing practice. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 76(3), 537–544.
- Peplau, H. E. (1952). Interpersonal Relations in Nursing. Springer Publishing Company.
- Travelbee, J. (1966). Interpersonal aspects of nursing. Springer Publishing Company.