Mr. Buxton admits to abusing Mrs. Buxton and says it is all because she “naggs” him. What would be a therapeutic response by the mental health nurse?

Mr. Buxton admits to abusing Mrs. Buxton and says it is all because she “naggs” him. What would be a therapeutic response by the mental health nurse?

• A. That is no excuse to hit Mrs. Buxton.
• B. Does hitting Mrs. Buxton make her stop nagging?
• C. I'm not sure what you mean; please explain that to me again.
• D. Why does Mrs. Buxton nag you?

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is therapeutic, nonjudgmental communication that invites the patient to talk and clarifies what he means. When someone attributes violence to being provoked by a partner’s nagging, the nurse should respond in a way that shows empathy, reduces defensiveness, and encourages elaboration so the underlying feelings and risk factors can be explored. Saying “I’m not sure what you mean; please explain that to me again” does exactly that. It refrains from judgment or blame, signals that the nurse is listening, and invites the patient to describe his thoughts and the situation more fully. This helps the nurse assess risk, understand triggers, and plan appropriate interventions or safety steps. The other responses lean toward blame, shame, or confrontation and can shut down communication or justify the abusive behavior, which is not conducive to therapeutic engagement.

The main idea here is therapeutic, nonjudgmental communication that invites the patient to talk and clarifies what he means. When someone attributes violence to being provoked by a partner’s nagging, the nurse should respond in a way that shows empathy, reduces defensiveness, and encourages elaboration so the underlying feelings and risk factors can be explored.

Saying “I’m not sure what you mean; please explain that to me again” does exactly that. It refrains from judgment or blame, signals that the nurse is listening, and invites the patient to describe his thoughts and the situation more fully. This helps the nurse assess risk, understand triggers, and plan appropriate interventions or safety steps.

The other responses lean toward blame, shame, or confrontation and can shut down communication or justify the abusive behavior, which is not conducive to therapeutic engagement.