Which communication technique should a nurse use to encourage a patient to express feelings about hospitaliza… - NCL (Northern Coalfields Limited)-NO

NCL (Northern Coalfields Limited)-NO

Nursing Foundation

Medium

Appeared in: NCL (Northern Coalfields Limited)-NO

Explanation

Active listening is a foundational therapeutic communication technique where the nurse is attentive to both verbal and nonverbal cues from the patient.
It involves actions like maintaining eye contact, nodding, and leaning forward, which signal interest and engagement.
This technique builds trust and rapport, creating a safe environment for the patient to feel comfortable sharing their feelings and concerns.
By listening actively, the nurse validates the patient's experience and encourages them to elaborate, leading to a more accurate assessment of their emotional state.

Option A: Using medical jargon is a significant barrier to communication. It can make patients feel intimidated, confused, or uneducated, which discourages them from asking questions or expressing their feelings.
Option C: Giving unsolicited advice is a non-therapeutic technique. It implies that the nurse knows what is best for the patient, which can be dismissive of the patient's own feelings, experiences, and right to make their own decisions.
Option D: Nonverbal cues, such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, often convey more about a patient's feelings than words alone. Ignoring these cues constitutes a failure to listen and can lead to misunderstanding the patient's true emotional state.

Visual 1: Diagram - A side-by-side comparison showing a nurse demonstrating active listening (facing the patient, open posture, eye contact) versus a nurse exhibiting poor listening skills (looking at a chart, back turned, closed posture). This visual helps reinforce the nonverbal components of the technique.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Therapeutic Communication in Nursing to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
In clinical practice, active listening is not just about being polite; it is a critical assessment tool. It helps in accurately identifying patient anxieties, fears, and misconceptions, which are crucial for holistic care planning.
Building a therapeutic relationship through active listening can improve patient adherence to treatment plans, as patients who feel heard and respected are more likely to trust their care providers.
What if the patient is from a different cultural background? The nurse must be mindful that nonverbal cues like eye contact can have different meanings. Active listening would then involve being more observant and verbally clarifying what is being communicated to avoid cultural misunderstandings.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core goal of the question: to find a technique that encourages a patient to express feelings.
Next, evaluate each option based on the principles of therapeutic communication, which aims to be patient-centered and build trust.
Ask yourself for each option: 'Does this action make it easier or harder for a patient to talk openly?'
Eliminate options that are known barriers to communication. Using jargon, giving advice, and ignoring signals are all recognized communication blockers.
Select the option that represents a positive, engaging, and respectful interaction. Active listening is the only choice that fits this description.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Therapeutic Communication in Nursing
Stem keywords: communication technique, nurse, encourage patient, express feelings
Lead-in keywords: Which

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