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 B
Explanation
A. Write down remarks on a clipboard to facilitate later topics of conversation.
Writing down remarks could distract from active listening and might make the patient feel as though the nurse isn’t fully engaged in the conversation.
B. Make a conscious effort to block out other sounds in the immediate environment.
Active listening requires focusing on the speaker by minimizing distractions, allowing the nurse to be fully attentive to the patient.
C. Maintain eye contact by staring at the patient.
Active listening involves natural eye contact, not staring, as staring can be intimidating and may cause discomfort for the patient.
D. Prompt the patient when the patient stops talking for a moment.
Giving the patient time to think and process without prompting respects their pace and encourages them to share more when ready.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Speaking in simple sentences, as if to a child. This is inappropriate and could be perceived as patronizing, which may hinder communication. Older adults should be treated with respect, not as children.
B. Speaking slowly in order to allow the patient to process the message. Older adults may need more time to process information, so speaking slowly can aid understanding without appearing patronizing.
C. Addressing him by his first name to encourage a therapeutic relationship. Addressing older adults by their first names may be seen as disrespectful or overly familiar, unless the patient specifically requests it.
D. Standing in the doorway rather than entering the room to give the older adult patient more privacy. Standing in the doorway may create a physical barrier and distance, which can hinder effective communication and rapport.