The nurse caring for a patient who is concerned about her 10-pound weight loss relative to her chemotherapy tells the patient. "Lucky you! Every cloud has a silver lining." The nurse's statement is an example of which type of communication block?
Defensive response
Asking probing questions
Using clichés
Changing the subject
The Correct Answer is C
A. Defensive response
A defensive response would involve protecting oneself or one's position rather than addressing the patient’s concerns. The nurse’s statement here is more dismissive than defensive.
B. Asking probing questions
Probing questions would involve persistent questioning, which does not apply here, as the nurse is not asking questions but making a dismissive comment.
C. Using clichés
"Every cloud has a silver lining" is a cliché, which may come across as dismissive and minimize the patient’s concerns. Using clichés can make the patient feel unheard and invalidated.
D. Changing the subject
Changing the subject would involve diverting attention to an unrelated topic. The nurse here is not introducing a new topic but is using a cliché instead.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Speaking slowly and clearly in the patient's native language. While speaking clearly in the patient’s native language is helpful, it does not verify understanding. Feedback from the patient is necessary to confirm comprehension.
B. Asking the family members whether the patient understands. Relying on family members may not be accurate, as they may not fully understand the patient's level of comprehension.
C. Obtaining feedback from the patient that indicates accurate comprehension. Having the patient repeat the information back or summarize it in their own words ensures they have understood the communication.
D. Checking for signs of hearing loss or aphasia before communicating. Assessing for hearing loss or aphasia can be part of the process but does not confirm that communication was understood.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Saving the extra time it would take to mail the information.
The purpose of asking the patient to repeat information is not about saving time but to ensure accurate understanding.
B. Verifying that the patient understands the information.
Asking the patient to repeat the information confirms that they understood it correctly, which is essential in promoting effective communication and preventing misunderstandings.
C. Acting in a cautious way to avoid charges of negligence. While caution is involved, the primary purpose is to ensure understanding rather than legal protection.
D. Testing the patient's intelligence and memory.
This is not a test of intelligence or memory but rather a verification of understanding.