Which response by a nurse to an agitated client is considered nontherapeutic?

The response "Everything is going to be fine" is considered nontherapeutic because it minimizes the client's current feelings and experience. While the intention behind this statement may be to provide reassurance, it can inadvertently come across as dismissive, suggesting that the client's emotions are not valid or worth addressing. Effective communication in mental health counseling requires acknowledging the client's feelings and experiences as real and significant.

Responses that invite further discussion of feelings, such as asking about how the client feels or expressing understanding of their difficulties, foster a therapeutic environment. These approaches help the client feel heard and encourage open communication. While asking "Why are you feeling this way?" might seek understanding, it can be perceived as confrontational and may put the client on the defensive, which may not be conducive to building a trusting therapeutic relationship. Therefore, promoting validation and openness in communication is crucial in a therapeutic context.