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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Come and get me if Mr. Jones has a high heart rate." This statement lacks specificity, as “high heart rate” is vague. The assistant may not know what range constitutes “high.”
B. "I need to know if Mr. Jones' blood pressure is elevated."
This statement is also too vague, as the assistant may not understand what is considered "elevated."
C. "If Mr. Jones' heart rate is greater than 100, let me know."
This direction is clear and specific, providing a measurable parameter for the assistant to follow, making it the best option.
D. "Let me know if Mr. Jones' temperature is high."
"High" is vague, as it does not provide a specific value or range for temperature.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. is packing belongings in preparation for discharge. Although discharge is an appropriate time for patient education, it may be too late to introduce complex information that requires practice or understanding. Teaching moments often occur earlier in the care process.
B. says, "How will I remember all the things about my new diet?" This is an ideal teaching moment as the patient is expressing concern and showing readiness to learn about the diet. The nurse can use this moment to provide guidance on strategies to remember dietary instructions.
C. has just returned from surgery for a deviated septum. Immediately post-surgery, the patient may be under the influence of anesthesia or pain medication, limiting their ability to absorb information. Teaching at this time may not be effective.
D. has just been told of the malignancy of his tumor. Right after receiving bad news, patients may experience shock, grief, or distress, making it difficult for them to process additional information. This may not be the right time for education.