Psychosocial Changes
Psychosocial Changes ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has retired from work due to health reasons.
Which of the following statements by the nurse demonstrates empathy and respect for the client?
This is wrong because it assumes how the client feels and may not reflect their actual emotions.
It also does not offer any support or encouragement to the client.
This is wrong because it shows a lack of empathy and respect for the client’s situation.
It implies that the client should not have any negative feelings about retiring early and that they should be satisfied with what they have.
This statement by the nurse demonstrates empathy and respect for the client because it acknowledges the client’s potential to cope with the transition and to pursue new goals and interests. Empathy is the ability to understand the personal experience of the patient without bonding with them, and it includes three dimensions: emotional, cognitive, and behavioral . Empathy is an important communication skill for a health professional, as it helps to elicit therapeutic change and to comprehend the needs of the health care users .
This is wrong because it dismisses the client’s feelings and challenges as a normal part of aging.
It does not acknowledge the impact of retirement on the client’s identity and well-being.
The correct answer is C.
“You can still find meaning and purpose in life after retirement.”.
This statement by the nurse demonstrates empathy and respect for the client because it acknowledges the client’s potential to cope with the transition and to pursue new goals and interests. Empathy is the ability to understand the personal experience of the patient without bonding with them, and it includes three dimensions: emotional, cognitive, and behavioral . Empathy is an important communication skill for a health professional, as it helps to elicit therapeutic change and to comprehend the needs of the health care users .
Choice A is wrong because it assumes how the client feels and may not reflect their actual emotions.
It also does not offer any support or encouragement to the client.
Choice B is wrong because it shows a lack of empathy and respect for the client’s situation.
It implies that the client should not have any negative feelings about retiring early and that they should be satisfied with what they have.
Choice D is wrong because it dismisses the client’s feelings and challenges as a normal part of aging.
It does not acknowledge the impact of retirement on the client’s identity and well-being.
Normal ranges for empathy vary depending on the context, culture, and profession of the health care provider. However, some studies have suggested that empathy scores tend to decline during medical training and practice, and that higher levels of empathy are associated with better patient satisfaction, adherence, and outcomes .
Therefore, it is important for health professionals to develop and maintain empathetic skills through education, training, and self-care.