Communication Challenges and Strategies
Communication Challenges and Strategies ( 7 Questions)
A nurse is communicating with a client who has dementia. Which statement by the nurse indicates an understanding of therapeutic communication?
"Do you remember what we talked about yesterday?" - This statement does not indicate an understanding of therapeutic communication, as it tests the client's memory, which may be impaired due to dementia. The nurse should avoid asking questions that rely on recall, and instead provide cues or reminders of previous conversations.
"Why are you so agitated today? What's wrong with you?" - This statement does not indicate an understanding of therapeutic communication, as it implies that there is something wrong with the client, and may sound accusatory or judgmental. The nurse should avoid asking "why" questions that may put the client on the defensive, and instead use "what" or "how" questions that explore the client's feelings or needs.
"You seem confused. Let me explain everything to you again." - This statement does not indicate an understanding of therapeutic communication, as it labels the client as confused, which may be demeaning or discouraging. The nurse should avoid using negative labels or terms that may affect the client's self-esteem or confidence.
"I'm sorry you're feeling sad. Can you tell me more about it?"
Rationale: The nurse indicates an understanding of therapeutic communication by expressing empathy for the client's emotion, and by inviting them to share more information using an open-ended question.
Correct answer: D) "I'm sorry you're feeling sad. Can you tell me more about it?"
Rationale: The nurse indicates an understanding of therapeutic communication by expressing empathy for the client's emotion, and by inviting them to share more information using an open-ended question.
Incorrect options:
A) "Do you remember what we talked about yesterday?" - This statement does not indicate an understanding of therapeutic communication, as it tests the client's memory, which may be impaired due to dementia. The nurse should avoid asking questions that rely on recall, and instead provide cues or reminders of previous conversations.
B) "Why are you so agitated today? What's wrong with you?" - This statement does not indicate an understanding of therapeutic communication, as it implies that there is something wrong with the client, and may sound accusatory or judgmental. The nurse should avoid asking "why" questions that may put the client on the defensive, and instead use "what" or "how" questions that explore the client's feelings or needs.
C) "You seem confused. Let me explain everything to you again." - This statement does not indicate an understanding of therapeutic communication, as it labels the client as confused, which may be demeaning or discouraging. The nurse should avoid using negative labels or terms that may affect the client's self-esteem or confidence.