The nurse is alert to avoid using blocks to effective communication that include: (Select all that apply.)
asking probing questions.
using nonjudgmental remarks.
changing the subject.
using clichés.
giving advice.
offering hope.
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
A. Asking probing questions. Probing questions can feel invasive, leading to discomfort or defensiveness from the patient.
B. Using nonjudgmental remarks. Nonjudgmental remarks foster open communication, so this is not a communication block.
C. Changing the subject. Changing the subject shows disregard for the patient’s thoughts or feelings, which can block effective communication.
D. Using clichés. Clichés can make patients feel as though their concerns are not truly heard or understood.
E. Giving advice. Giving advice without patient input can make the patient feel undervalued and less autonomous.
F. Offering hope. Offering realistic hope and encouragement can actually facilitate communication, as long as it’s not false reassurance.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Share information with the patient about other patients and why they are hospitalized. Sharing information about other patients violates confidentiality and does not help establish trust. This is unprofessional and goes against HIPAA guidelines.
B. Share his own personal experiences so that the patient gets to know him as a friend. Although occasional sharing of personal experiences may enhance rapport, extensive sharing can shift focus from the patient to the nurse, which is unprofessional and can create boundary issues.
C. Act in a trustworthy and reliable manner; respect the individuality of the patient. Acting in a trustworthy, reliable manner and respecting the patient's individuality establishes rapport by building trust, ensuring the patient feels valued and respected. This is the most professional approach.
D. Identify himself by name and title each time he introduces himself. Introducing oneself by name and title is essential, but it alone does not fully establish rapport. It is part of a courteous approach, but rapport-building requires deeper engagement.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. wrings her hands and paces around the room while denying that she is upset.
This example reflects incongruence. The patient's body language (pacing, wringing hands) suggests anxiety or distress, which does not match her verbal denial of being upset.
B. states she is comfortable while she frowns, and her teeth are clenched.
This example also reflects incongruence. Her facial expression and clenched teeth contradict her statement of comfort, indicating her communication is not aligned.
C. is tearful and slow in speech when talking about her husband's death.
This example reflects congruence. The patient’s verbal expression and nonverbal cues are aligned, indicating that her communication is consistent with her emotions.
D. smiles and laughs while speaking of feeling lonely and depressed.
This example reflects incongruence. Smiling and laughing contradict the verbal expression of loneliness and depression, indicating a mismatch in her communication.