Which of the following communication techniques should be avoided by nurses?

JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018

Nursing Foundation

Easy

Appeared in: JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018

Explanation

Belittling is a non-therapeutic communication technique where the nurse dismisses or minimizes the patient's feelings, concerns, or experiences.
This behavior is damaging to the nurse-patient relationship as it can make the patient feel unimportant, unheard, and hesitant to share further information.
Unlike therapeutic techniques that build trust, belittling erodes it and can negatively impact patient care and outcomes.
Other non-therapeutic techniques to avoid include using clichés, giving personal opinions, changing the subject, and being judgmental.

Option B: Validating is a key therapeutic communication technique. It involves the nurse acknowledging the patient's feelings, thoughts, and experiences as valid and important.
Option C: Reflecting (or restating/paraphrasing) is a therapeutic technique where the nurse repeats what the patient has said to confirm understanding and encourage the patient to elaborate.
Option D: Listening, specifically active listening, is the foundation of all therapeutic communication. It involves being attentive to both verbal and nonverbal cues from the patient.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Therapeutic vs. Non-Therapeutic Communication as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Effective communication is directly linked to patient safety. When patients feel belittled or unheard, they may withhold critical information about their symptoms or concerns, leading to diagnostic errors or adverse events.
Building a strong therapeutic relationship through positive communication techniques improves patient compliance with treatment plans, as patients are more likely to trust and collaborate with a nurse they feel respects them.
What if? If a patient expresses a fear that seems irrational to the nurse (e.g., fear of a routine blood draw), belittling it ('Oh, it's just a tiny needle') would shut down communication. The correct action is to validate the feeling ('I understand that needles can be frightening for many people. Let's talk about what we can do to make it more comfortable for you.')

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword in the question stem, which is 'avoided'. This tells you to look for the negative or incorrect option among the choices.
Next, evaluate each option based on the principles of therapeutic communication.
Ask yourself for each option: 'Does this action help build trust and encourage the patient to talk, or does it create a barrier?'
Validating, reflecting, and listening are all positive actions that build trust.
Belittling is a negative action that harms the relationship.
Therefore, belittling is the technique that should be avoided.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor pp. 84-86, 85-87

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 2 p. 124-126