What is the nurse’s therapeutic response for an 18-year-old male observed pacing after a suicide attempt?

The therapeutic response of "I observed you pacing back and forth. How are you feeling today?" is appropriate because it demonstrates empathetic communication and openness to the patient's feelings. By acknowledging the patient’s behavior—pacing, in this case—the nurse is fostering an environment where the patient feels seen and heard. This approach encourages the patient to express their emotions and thoughts, which is critical in the context of mental health care, especially following a suicide attempt. Active listening and engaging in a conversation about feelings can help establish a trusting nurse-patient relationship, allowing the nurse to assess the patient's emotional state more effectively and provide appropriate support.

Responding in a defensive manner or issuing demands, as seen in the other options, can shut down communication and increase the patient’s distress. For instance, insisting on medication or telling the patient to calm down might come off as dismissive of their current emotional turmoil. Saying, "I will call the physician" implies that the nurse is not equipped to handle the situation independently and does not address the patient's immediate emotional needs. Overall, the chosen response promotes therapeutic dialogue, key to addressing the underlying issues of distress and preventing further risk.