Which of the following is a barrier to therapeutic communication?

IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance -2021

Nursing Foundation

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance -2021

Explanation

Giving advice is a non-therapeutic communication technique that acts as a barrier by imposing the nurse's own opinions and solutions onto the patient.
This practice undermines the patient's autonomy and right to make their own decisions, which is a core principle of patient-centered care.
It can inhibit the patient's own problem-solving abilities and create a sense of dependency on the healthcare provider, rather than empowering them.
Telling a patient what to do (e.g., "You should...") closes off further exploration of the patient's own feelings and potential solutions.

Option A: Focusing is a therapeutic technique, not a barrier. It involves directing the conversation to a specific, important topic to explore it in more detail.
Option C: Restating is a therapeutic technique. It involves repeating the main thought the patient has expressed to show that the nurse is listening and to confirm understanding.
Option D: Listening, specifically active listening, is the foundation of therapeutic communication, not a barrier. It involves being fully attentive to both verbal and non-verbal cues.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Barriers to Therapeutic Communication as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In nursing practice, avoiding communication barriers like giving advice is critical for building trust and fostering a collaborative nurse-patient relationship.
Empowering patients to participate in their own care decisions leads to better adherence to treatment plans and improved health outcomes.
What if a patient directly asks, 'What should I do?' A therapeutic response would be to reflect the question back to them, for example, by saying, 'That's a good question. What options have you considered?' This encourages their own problem-solving process instead of providing a directive answer.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concept in the question: 'barrier to therapeutic communication'. This means you are looking for an action that stops or hinders effective, patient-centered communication.
Next, evaluate each option based on this concept.
Ask yourself for each option: 'Does this action empower the patient and encourage them to express themselves, or does it shut down conversation and impose the nurse's views?'
Focusing, restating, and listening are all actions that encourage the patient's participation.
Giving advice is an action where the nurse provides their own solution, which is directive and can stop the patient from exploring their own feelings and ideas. This identifies it as the barrier.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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