When a patient states, "I don't feel like walking today," the nurse's most therapeutic verbal response would be:
"I don't feel like walking today either."
"You have to walk today."
"Why don't you want to walk today?"
"You don't want to walk today?"
The Correct Answer is D
A. "I don't feel like walking today either."
This response shifts the focus from the patient to the nurse and does not encourage further discussion about the patient's reluctance or explore the reasons behind it.
B. "You have to walk today."
This statement sounds forceful and dismissive, and may make the patient feel pressured rather than supported. It does not invite dialogue or provide understanding.
C. "Why don't you want to walk today?"
This question can sound judgmental and may put the patient on the defensive. A more neutral response would help the nurse understand the patient's reluctance without pressure.
D. "You don't want to walk today?"
This response reflects the patient's own words back, validating their feelings and opening up the opportunity for the patient to explain their reasons. It is empathetic and nonjudgmental, which encourages therapeutic communication.
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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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Avoid the use of eye contact to allow the patient to express herself without feeling stared at or demeaned.
Avoiding eye contact can make the patient feel ignored or unheard and is generally not effective in active listening.
B. Ask probing questions to direct the conversation and obtain the information needed as efficiently as possible.
Active listening involves allowing the patient to lead the conversation rather than directing it with probing questions.
C. Anticipate what the speaker is trying to say and help the patient express herself when she has difficulty with finishing a sentence.
While well-intentioned, finishing sentences can prevent the patient from expressing thoughts fully.
D. Use nonverbal cues such as leaning forward, focusing on the speaker's face, and slightly nodding to indicate that the message has been heard.