Communication Challenges and Strategies
Communication Challenges and Strategies ( 7 Questions)
A nurse is conducting a health history interview with a new client at a primary care clinic. Which statement by the nurse demonstrates active listening skills?
The nurse demonstrates active listening skills by using verbal prompts such as "I see" to acknowledge the client's message, and by asking open-ended questions such as "how long" to elicit more information and clarify details.
"That sounds very stressful. You must be feeling overwhelmed." - This statement does not demonstrate active listening skills, as it assumes how the client feels without checking for accuracy. The nurse should avoid making assumptions or judgments about the client's feelings, and instead ask them how they feel or reflect their emotions back to them.
"I understand what you are going through. I had a similar problem last year." - This statement does not demonstrate active listening skills, as it shifts the focus from the client to the nurse's personal experience. The nurse should avoid self-disclosure or comparisons that may minimize or invalidate the client's situation.
"Let me tell you what you need to do to improve your health." - This statement does not demonstrate active listening skills, as it implies that the nurse knows better than the client what is best for them. The nurse should avoid giving advice or directives that may undermine the client's autonomy or motivation.
Correct answer: A) "I see. And how long have you been experiencing these symptoms?"
Rationale: The nurse demonstrates active listening skills by using verbal prompts such as "I see" to acknowledge the client's message, and by asking open-ended questions such as "how long" to elicit more information and clarify details.
Incorrect options:
B) "That sounds very stressful. You must be feeling overwhelmed." - This statement does not demonstrate active listening skills, as it assumes how the client feels without checking for accuracy. The nurse should avoid making assumptions or judgments about the client's feelings, and instead ask them how they feel or reflect their emotions back to them.
C) "I understand what you are going through. I had a similar problem last year." - This statement does not demonstrate active listening skills, as it shifts the focus from the client to the nurse's personal experience. The nurse should avoid self-disclosure or comparisons that may minimize or invalidate the client's situation.
D) "Let me tell you what you need to do to improve your health." - This statement does not demonstrate active listening skills, as it implies that the nurse knows better than the client what is best for them. The nurse should avoid giving advice or directives that may undermine the client's autonomy or motivation.