A 45-year-old client is admitted to the psychiatric unit after a suicide attempt. During the initial assessment, the client states, 'I just want to disappear; I'm a burden to everyone.' Which of the following therapeutic communication techniques would be most appropriate for the nurse to use?

Question: A 45-year-old client is admitted to the psychiatric unit after a suicide attempt. During the initial assessment, the client states, 'I just want to disappear; I'm a burden to everyone.' Which of the following therapeutic communication techniques would be most appropriate for the nurse to use?

Answer options:

• "Why do you feel like you are a burden?"
• "Many people feel that way, but things will get better." ✅ "It sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed and guilty. Can you tell me more about that?"
• "You shouldn't feel that way; your family cares about you."

Correct answer: "It sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed and guilty. Can you tell me more about that?"

Explanation: Option C uses clarification and open-ended questions, encouraging the client to express feelings without judgment, which is a key principle of therapeutic communication. Options A, B, and D are non-therapeutic as they are judgmental, offer false reassurance, or minimize the client's feelings.