A nurse designs a stress management program for middle-aged clients.
Which techniques help reduce the physiological response to stress? Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale

Telling a patient to stop worrying is a non-therapeutic communication technique known as false reassurance or giving advice. This response dismisses the patient's feelings and shuts down the opportunity for further dialogue. It does not involve observing a behavior but rather attempts to control the patient's emotional state. In nursing, it is important to avoid such statements as they can damage the nurse-patient relationship and minimize the patient's valid concerns.

Choice B rationale

Stating that the patient is probably worried about surgery is an example of making an assumption or interpreting feelings without confirmation. While it may be true, it is not an observation of an objective behavior. Effective communication involves reflecting on what is seen or heard rather than guessing the internal thoughts of the client. Interpreting without observing can lead to misunderstandings if the patient is actually worried about something entirely different.

Choice C rationale

This response is a perfect example of sharing an observation. The nurse is pointing out a specific, objective behavior—the lack of eye contact—without immediately attaching a judgment or a definitive reason to it. Sharing observations helps the patient become aware of their own non-verbal cues and invites them to explain what they are feeling. It is a therapeutic way to open a conversation and validate the patient's current physical presence.

Choice D rationale

Asking "why" questions is often considered non-therapeutic because it can make the patient feel defensive. It requires the patient to provide a logical explanation for an emotional state, which they may not be able to do. This does not represent an observation of behavior but is rather a direct interrogation. In a clinical setting, nurses should use open-ended questions and observations to encourage the patient to share their experience freely.

Choice A rationale

Interprofessional collaboration is designed to focus on the needs and outcomes of the client rather than the interests of the nurse. The primary goal of a healthcare team is to provide holistic and patient-centered care. Focusing on the nurse's best interest would be a violation of professional ethics and the collaborative spirit, which requires all team members to set aside personal or professional egos to prioritize the safety and recovery of the individual being treated.

Choice B rationale

Collaboration among different healthcare disciplines significantly decreases medical errors by ensuring that multiple perspectives are considered in the care plan. Each professional, such as a pharmacist, therapist, or physician, brings unique expertise that helps identify potential risks, like drug interactions or mobility hazards, that one person might miss. This collective oversight creates a safety net, improves communication, and ensures that the care provided is accurate, safe, and tailored to the specific needs of the patient.

Choice C rationale

Effective collaboration actually increases the efficiency of the healthcare setting by streamlining processes and reducing the duplication of services. When team members communicate and coordinate their efforts, they can avoid redundant testing and ensure that transitions of care are smooth and well-managed. A lack of collaboration leads to fragmented care, which is highly inefficient, costly, and can lead to longer hospital stays or readmissions, ultimately harming both the institution and the patient population.

Choice D rationale

Interprofessional collaboration specifically requires input from multiple healthcare providers across different disciplines. Using input from only one provider is the opposite of collaboration and represents a siloed approach to care. To be truly collaborative, a team must include diverse professionals who contribute their specialized knowledge to create a comprehensive treatment plan. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of a patient's health, including physical, emotional, and social needs, are addressed by the appropriate experts.