When a client asks a nurse not to disclose his alcohol problem to his parents, how should the nurse respond?

When a client asks a nurse not to disclose his alcohol problem to his parents, how should the nurse respond?

• A. "How can you not tell them? Is that being honest?"
• B. "Don't you think you'll need to tell them someday?"
• C. "Do alcohol problems run in either side of your family?"
• D. "What do you think will happen if you tell your parents?"

Answer: (D)

The appropriate response in this scenario encourages the client to explore their feelings and concerns about disclosing their alcohol problem to their parents. By asking, "What do you think will happen if you tell your parents?" the nurse opens a dialogue that allows the client to reflect on the potential outcomes of sharing this personal issue. This approach promotes the client's autonomy and decision-making while providing a safe space for them to express their thoughts and emotions. This reflective questioning can help the client articulate their fears, concerns, or reasons for wanting to keep this information private, which could lead to deeper insight into their situation and how they perceive their relationship with their parents. This strategy aligns with therapeutic communication techniques, emphasizing the importance of the client's perspective and their right to confidentiality. In comparison, the other choices focus more on judgment, assumptions, or indirect questioning that could undermine the client’s trust or make them feel pressured. The selected option fosters an environment of support and understanding, integral to effective nursing care in substance abuse cases.

The appropriate response in this scenario encourages the client to explore their feelings and concerns about disclosing their alcohol problem to their parents. By asking, "What do you think will happen if you tell your parents?" the nurse opens a dialogue that allows the client to reflect on the potential outcomes of sharing this personal issue. This approach promotes the client's autonomy and decision-making while providing a safe space for them to express their thoughts and emotions.

This reflective questioning can help the client articulate their fears, concerns, or reasons for wanting to keep this information private, which could lead to deeper insight into their situation and how they perceive their relationship with their parents. This strategy aligns with therapeutic communication techniques, emphasizing the importance of the client's perspective and their right to confidentiality.

In comparison, the other choices focus more on judgment, assumptions, or indirect questioning that could undermine the client’s trust or make them feel pressured. The selected option fosters an environment of support and understanding, integral to effective nursing care in substance abuse cases.