A patient with severe orthopedic injuries after an automobile accident is irritable, angry, and belittles the nurses who provide his care. While the nurse is changing the dressing over a deep laceration, the patient screams, "Don't touch me! You are so stupid; you're only making it worse!" Which intervention would be most therapeutic?
a. Wordlessly leave the room and ask to switch assignments with another nurse who may be more acceptable to the patient.
b. Apologize, explain that the dressing change is necessary to prevent infection, and jointly explore ways to decrease the discomfort involved.
c. State: "Since you believe we nurses aren't able to change your dressing, perhaps you would like to change it yourself."
d. State: "This is frustrating for both of us, but there is no choice because your doctor has ordered this dressing change."
Answer: B