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“It’s not that bad.”
- Downplaying a patient’s pain or discomfort can be dismissive and invalidating. Instead, nurses should acknowledge the patient’s feelings and work together to find ways to manage and alleviate their symptoms.
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“You’re just being difficult.”
- Labeling a patient as difficult can strain the nurse-patient relationship. It’s important to approach each patient with empathy and understand that their behavior may be a result of fear, anxiety, or frustration. Open communication is key to addressing concerns.
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“I’m too busy right now.”
- While nurses often have demanding schedules, expressing busyness without offering assistance or setting a specific time to address the patient’s needs can make them feel neglected. It’s better to communicate a timeframe for when the nurse will be available to help.
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“This won’t hurt at all.”
- Making promises about pain or discomfort that cannot be guaranteed may lead to a loss of trust if the procedure turns out to be painful. Nurses should provide honest information about what to expect and offer support to help manage any discomfort.
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“I know exactly how you feel.”
- Every patient’s experience is unique, and claiming to fully understand their emotions may come across as insincere. Instead, nurses can express empathy, validate the patient’s feelings, and offer support without assuming they know the exact extent of the patient’s emotions.
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