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The nurse cares for a patient with a terminal illness. Which way would be the most therapeutic for the nurse to communicate with this patient?
- A. Use an honest, judgmental attitude.
- B. Demonstrate understanding with empathy.
- C. Acknowledge hope by expressions of sympathy.
- D. Consistently evaluate the patient's feelings.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Demonstrate understanding with empathy. This approach is the most therapeutic as it shows the nurse's genuine care and support for the patient, fostering a sense of trust and emotional connection. By empathizing, the nurse validates the patient's feelings and provides comfort without judgment.
A: Using an honest, judgmental attitude can be harmful and create a barrier in the nurse-patient relationship.
C: Acknowledging hope by expressions of sympathy is important but may not address the patient's immediate emotional needs.
D: Consistently evaluating the patient's feelings is important, but without demonstrating empathy, it may come across as clinical and detached.
In summary, choice B is the best approach as it prioritizes empathy and understanding, essential components in providing effective therapeutic communication.
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When a patient states, "My son hasn't been to see me in months," the nurse's best verbal response is:
- A. "Don't worry; I'm sure your son will visit."
- B. "Your son hasn't been around much lately?"
- C. "My son doesn't come to visit me either."
- D. "How terrible that he doesn't visit you." Restating in different words what the patient said encourages further communication on that topic.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
1. Reflective listening: Restating the patient's statement shows empathy and understanding.
2. Open-ended question: Encourages patient to share more without assumptions.
3. Non-judgmental: Neutral tone promotes trust and openness.
4. Validates patient's feelings: Acknowledges patient's concerns without dismissing them.
Summary:
A: Provides false reassurance, does not address the patient's feelings.
C: Shifts focus to the nurse, not patient-centered.
D: Implies judgment, may shut down communication.
Behaviors that indicate to the patient that the nurse is inattentive to the patient's concerns are such activities as: (Select all that apply.)
- A. turning back to straighten the bedside table while the patient is talking.
- B. tapping feet or fingers.
- C. sitting down in a chair near the bed with arms crossed.
- D. leaving a hand on the door to go out.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer, A, is turning back to straighten the bedside table while the patient is talking. This behavior indicates the nurse is not fully engaged in the conversation and prioritizing a task over the patient. Tapping feet or fingers (B) could just be a habit and may not necessarily indicate inattentiveness. Sitting down with arms crossed (C) could be a sign of being defensive but not necessarily inattentive. Leaving a hand on the door (D) could be a signal of readiness to leave but not a direct indicator of inattentiveness.
The nurse greets a patient who is admitted to the hospital. Which action by the nurse displays warmth and concern?
- A. Use a soft and relaxed tone of voice when speaking.
- B. Maintain a distance of 6 to 8 feet from the patient.
- C. Avoid attentive behaviors when interacting with the patient.
- D. Engage in a verbal exchange without physical contact.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because using a soft and relaxed tone of voice conveys warmth and concern, making the patient feel welcomed and cared for. It helps build rapport and comfort. Maintaining a distance of 6 to 8 feet (B) may create a sense of coldness and detachment. Avoiding attentive behaviors (C) will make the patient feel neglected and uncared for. Engaging in verbal exchange without physical contact (D) lacks the personal touch needed to show warmth and concern.
The nurse cares for a female patient who is trying to gain understanding of her life and her diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Which approach by the nurse would best meet this patient's needs?
- A. Suggest the patient join a breast cancer support group.
- B. Provide the patient with reading material on death and dying.
- C. Contact the patient's spiritual leader to request daily visits.
- D. Listen to the patient's stories about her past experiences.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because actively listening to the patient's stories about her past experiences allows for emotional expression, validation, and building trust. It promotes therapeutic communication and helps the patient gain understanding and cope with her diagnosis. Choice A focuses on group support, which may not address the patient's individual needs. Choice B is not appropriate as it may induce unnecessary fear. Choice C assumes the patient has specific spiritual beliefs and may not be welcomed.
The nurse is providing care to a patient who was admitted with heart failure. The patient has not been following the prescribed diet or taking the prescribed medications. Which type of communication approach is most important for the nurse to use with this patient to facilitate a change in self-care behavior?
- A. Authoritative, honest, and outright communication
- B. Assertive, responsible, and caring communication
- C. Aggressive, sympathetic, and realistic communication
- D. Positive, expert, and focused communication
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assertive, responsible, and caring communication.
Rationale:
1. Assertive communication is important to clearly express expectations and boundaries.
2. Being responsible conveys accountability and encourages the patient to take ownership of their care.
3. Caring communication fosters trust and empathy, crucial for building a therapeutic relationship.
Summary:
A: Authoritative communication may come across as controlling and may not promote patient cooperation.
C: Aggressive communication can be intimidating and may lead to resistance rather than cooperation.
D: Positive communication is beneficial, but being an expert alone may not address the patient's underlying issues or barriers to self-care.