A client says the doctor wants him to start keeping a daily journal about what's happening at work. Which response would be most appropriate for the nurse?

• A. Journaling is a waste of time and won't improve health.
• B. Journaling should focus only on positive events to avoid distress.
• C. Journal-keeping is useful only for clinicians, not for patients.
• D. Journal-keeping that identifies stress triggers can improve health.

Answer: (D)

The key idea is using journaling as a self-management tool to monitor stress and its impact on health. When a person records daily work events and traces them to specific stress triggers, thoughts, emotions, and bodily responses, they build awareness of patterns. This enables proactive coping—anticipating stressful situations, choosing effective strategies, and discussing targeted approaches with the nurse or doctor—which can lead to better mental and physical health outcomes. The response that emphasizes identifying stress triggers as a benefit aligns with this evidence-based approach and supports patient empowerment.

Dismissing journaling as a waste of time; suggesting only focusing on positive events to avoid distress; or claiming it’s useful only for clinicians all miss the practical value of self-monitoring for stress management and patient-driven insight.