When an adolescent says, 'But you don't understand,' what is the nurse's best response?

When an adolescent says, 'But you don't understand,' what is the nurse's best response?

• A. I don't understand what you mean.
• B. I do understand; I was a teenager once too.
• C. It would be helpful to understand; let's talk.
• D. It's you who should try to understand others.

Answer: (C)

When talking with adolescents, the goal is to validate their feelings and invite them to share more, rather than becoming defensive or dismissive. Saying it would be helpful to understand and proposing to talk communicates openness, curiosity, and respect for the teen’s perspective. This creates a safe space, reduces defensiveness, and helps the nurse gather more information to understand the adolescent’s concerns and respond appropriately. The other options either dismiss the teen’s need to be understood, shift the focus to the nurse’s past experiences, or blame the teen, which undermines trust and effective communication.

When talking with adolescents, the goal is to validate their feelings and invite them to share more, rather than becoming defensive or dismissive. Saying it would be helpful to understand and proposing to talk communicates openness, curiosity, and respect for the teen’s perspective. This creates a safe space, reduces defensiveness, and helps the nurse gather more information to understand the adolescent’s concerns and respond appropriately. The other options either dismiss the teen’s need to be understood, shift the focus to the nurse’s past experiences, or blame the teen, which undermines trust and effective communication.