What is the appropriate therapeutic response from a nurse when a client reports sleep difficulties?

The appropriate therapeutic response involves actively engaging the client in discussing their sleep difficulties, which is why prompting them to share more about their sleeping pattern is the best choice. This approach not only shows that the nurse is attentive and supportive, but it also encourages the client to delve deeper into their concerns, facilitating a better understanding of their situation.

By asking for more details about their sleep pattern, the nurse can gather valuable information that may assist in identifying underlying issues or patterns that need to be addressed. This response fosters a therapeutic relationship, promoting open communication, which is essential in nursing care.

In contrast, responses that dismiss the client’s experience or shift the focus to the nurse's own experiences do not validate the client's feelings or encourage communication. Similarly, asking "why" without creating a safe space for the client to express themselves might make them feel defensive or reluctant to share further. Thus, engaging the client with open-ended queries is a fundamental nursing skill for building rapport and discovering more about the client's health concerns.