A nurse is speaking with a client whose husband and sister-in-law both have terminal illnesses; the family thinks the client should be able to handle everything because she is a nurse. Which response would be therapeutic?

• A. You're handling this well and there's no need for extra support.
• B. You're asking for help but you should try to manage on your own.
• C. Your family wants you to fix everything because you're a nurse.
• D. It sounds like your stress is about your own expectations, not your family.

Answer: (C)

Therapeutic communication here centers on validating the client’s experience by naming an external pressure that contributes to her stress. The family’s expectation that she can “fix everything” because she’s a nurse highlights role-related pressure she’s feeling from others, not just the situation with terminal illness. By acknowledging that force over her, the nurse creates a space for the client to explore boundaries, seek support, and consider self-care without blame. This helps shift the focus from trying to meet unrealistic expectations to managing limits and asking for help when needed.

Other responses either minimize her feelings, push her to handle everything on her own, or attribute the stress to her own expectations rather than to the external pressure from family. That lack of acknowledgment can keep her from addressing necessary support and boundaries.