A client has had an above-the-knee amputation and complains of pain distal to the amputation.

What type of pain is the client experiencing?

Accepting pauses or silences that may extend for some time without interjecting a verbal response is considered therapeutic communication12.

Therapeutic communication is a collection of techniques that prioritize the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of patients1.

Deliberate silence can give both nurses and patients an opportunity to think through and process what comes next in the conversation1.

Choice A is not correct because accepting pauses or silences is not considered rude behavior.

Choice B is not correct because accepting pauses or silences is not considered a barrier to communication.

Choice D is not correct because accepting pauses or silences is not considered a form of verbal communication.

Working.

The working phase of the therapeutic relationship is when the nurse and client work together to develop and implement strategies to achieve the client’s goals.

In this case, the goal is to reduce weight, so the nurse and client are working on strategies to achieve that goal.

Choice A is not an answer because the pre-interaction phase occurs before the nurse and client meet and involves the nurse preparing for the first interaction with the client.

Choice B is not an answer because the orientation phase is when the nurse and client get to know each other and establish trust and rapport.

Choice D is not an answer because the termination phase occurs when the therapeutic relationship ends and involves evaluating progress and planning for future care.