An LPN in an outpatient wound care clinic is caring for a 78-year-old woman recovering from a herpes zoster (shingles) outbreak that left painful scarring on her trunk. She was recently fitted with a new hearing aid after her adult son moved out of state for a job. During today's visit, the client is tearful, has a flat affect, and states, "I don't see the point of going out anymore since my son left, I just sit alone with this pain." She is oriented to person, place, and time, with no evidence of self-harm intent. She reports that in the past she managed stress by attending her church group and gardening with a neighbor, but has stopped both activities in the last month. Which initial response by the nurse best reflects a therapeutic communication approach?
- Tell her not to worry, things will get better once she adjusts to the hearing aid.
- Move on to assessing her wound since she did not mention any spiritual or grief concerns.
- Suggest she discuss these feelings with her son when he calls, since he knows her best.
- Acknowledge her feelings and invite her to share more about how she is coping.