Crisis Intervention and Client Feelings

During a crisis intervention session, a nurse is helping a client who has just experienced a traumatic event. The client is exhibiting signs of anxiety, confusion, and emotional distress. To effectively assist the client in coping with the immediate crisis, the nurse should focus on establishing a sense of safety and helping the client express their feelings. One effective technique for facilitating this process is active listening, which involves the nurse reflecting on the client’s words and validating their feelings.

In this context, the nurse should remember that the first step in crisis intervention is to assess the situation using a structured approach. The focus should be placed on the client's immediate needs and their ability to cope. Therefore, the nurse should initiate the session with an open-ended question while ensuring to maintain a calm demeanor.

Fill in the blank: The nurse should ask, "Can you tell me what you are feeling right now? It's okay to share your thoughts and emotions." This reflects the understanding that, during a crisis, clients often benefit from verbalizing their ______.