Psychosocial Integrity

"You feel like you're a burden?" — reflecting the client's statement encourages them to explore the feeling. Avoid false reassurance like "Don't say that, your family loves you," which dismisses the emotion.

Directing the client's feelings or questions back to them (e.g., Client: "Should I tell my family?" Nurse: "What do you think about telling them?"). It keeps the focus on the client's own feelings and decision-making.

A question that cannot be answered with yes/no, such as "How are you feeling about the surgery?" It invites the client to elaborate and share what matters to them.

They put clients on the defensive by demanding justification for feelings or behavior. Instead of "Why are you upset?", say "You seem upset — tell me more about what's happening."

It is false reassurance — the nurse cannot guarantee the outcome, and the statement dismisses the client's concern, closing off further discussion of fears.

It imposes the nurse's opinions, undermines the client's autonomy and problem-solving, and implies the nurse knows best. Therapeutic alternative: help the client explore their own options.