A Patient Answers Questions Quietly and Appears Sad

question 26

Multiple Choice

A patient answers questions quietly and appears sad. While answering questions about her marriage, she begins to cry. Which response by the nurse is appropriate in this situation?

• A) "Don't cry! I'll come back when you've settled down."
• B) "I only have a few more questions to ask, and then I'll leave you alone for a while."
• C) "Everyone has ups and downs in their marriage. What problems are you having?"
• D) "I see that you are upset. Is there something you'd like to discuss?"