A new mother is anxious about leaving the hospital; what would be an appropriate statement from the psychiatric technician?

A new mother is anxious about leaving the hospital; what would be an appropriate statement from the psychiatric technician?

• A. I sense that you have issues with your own mother.
• B. All new parents feel this way, it gets better in a few weeks
• C. What does this life change symbolize to you?
• D. Tell me about what you are experiencing, and we can try to connect you with some community resources.

Answer: (D)

A key idea here is using therapeutic communication that validates the mother’s feelings, invites her to share more, and offers practical support. The best statement does all of this by inviting her to describe what she’s experiencing and then proposing to connect her with community resources. This approach shows empathy, opens space for her to express fears or concerns, and provides a concrete next step to help with discharge and ongoing support. Other options miss the mark in different ways. Assuming issues with her own mother shifts focus onto the past and makes unsupported judgments. Minimizing by saying “all new parents feel this way” can dismiss her current anxiety. Asking a broad, abstract question about what the life change “symbolizes” may feel detached from her immediate needs. The chosen statement balances listening and practical help, which is most supportive in this moment.

A key idea here is using therapeutic communication that validates the mother’s feelings, invites her to share more, and offers practical support. The best statement does all of this by inviting her to describe what she’s experiencing and then proposing to connect her with community resources. This approach shows empathy, opens space for her to express fears or concerns, and provides a concrete next step to help with discharge and ongoing support.

Other options miss the mark in different ways. Assuming issues with her own mother shifts focus onto the past and makes unsupported judgments. Minimizing by saying “all new parents feel this way” can dismiss her current anxiety. Asking a broad, abstract question about what the life change “symbolizes” may feel detached from her immediate needs. The chosen statement balances listening and practical help, which is most supportive in this moment.