A client with anxiety says, "I'm overwhelmed with responsibilities." Which nurse response would demonstrate reflective listening?

A client with anxiety says, "I'm overwhelmed with responsibilities." Which nurse response would demonstrate reflective listening?

• A. Don't worry about it.
• B. It sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities.
• C. Just stay calm.
• D. Everything will be okay.

Answer: (B)

Reflective listening involves restating or paraphrasing what the client expresses to show you’re really hearing them and to help them explore their feelings. Saying, “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities,” mirrors the client’s exact concern and validates their experience, which invites them to discuss what’s hardest for them and how it’s affecting them. Responses that dismiss, minimize, or prematurely try to reassure—like telling someone not to worry, stay calm, or that everything will be okay—don’t acknowledge their feelings and don’t encourage them to elaborate, making them less effective for building trust and opening dialogue.

Reflective listening involves restating or paraphrasing what the client expresses to show you’re really hearing them and to help them explore their feelings. Saying, “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities,” mirrors the client’s exact concern and validates their experience, which invites them to discuss what’s hardest for them and how it’s affecting them. Responses that dismiss, minimize, or prematurely try to reassure—like telling someone not to worry, stay calm, or that everything will be okay—don’t acknowledge their feelings and don’t encourage them to elaborate, making them less effective for building trust and opening dialogue.