Therapeutic Communication- Case Scenarios

Case #1- The patient was admitted 2 days ago with a diagnosis of cancer. She was
informed by her doctor that a course of radiation and chemotherapy was her best option.
She became very upset and frightened about the proposed treatment and stated that she
wasn’t sure if she would go through with it. The nurse approaches her to discuss how she
is feeling today.

Nurse: “How are you doing today, Miss Smith. I was wondering how you were feeling
about undergoing radiation and chemotherapy?”

Patient: “I don’t know. I’m not as scared as I was when I got here, but I have a lot of
questions about it.”

Nurse: “It sounds like you have given it some thought. I’m sure Dr. Jones could talk
with you and answer some of your questions. Would you like to do that?”

Patient: “I guess so. What do you think?”

Think of a few ways the nurse could respond.

Case #2- An elderly patient is sitting in bed taking a nap. A tray of uneaten food is on the
bedside table. The nurse comes into the room.

Think of a few ideas of what the nurse could say to start a therapeutic conversation
with this patient.

Nurse: “…………”

Patient: “Oh, don’t bother with me. I don’t have much time left in this world.
And I don’t have much to live for anyway.”

Nurse: Think of a few therapeutic responses.