A nurse is caring for a client who is hearing-impaired and takes which approach to best facilitate communication? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because it shows that the PN is not using a technique that encourages the client to express feelings and thoughts. A closed inquiry is a question that can be answered with a yes or no, or a short factual response.

Choice B reason: This is correct because it shows that the PN is using a technique that encourages the client to express feelings and thoughts. An open-ended question is a question that requires more than a yes or no, or a short factual response and invites the client to elaborate.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because it shows that the PN is not using a technique that involves asking a question. Minimal encouraging is a verbal or nonverbal response that shows interest and attention and prompts the client to continue talking.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because it shows that the PN is not using a technique that involves asking a question. A restating is a verbal response that repeats the main idea or keywords of the client’s message and confirms understanding.

Choice A reason: Speaks in a normal tone is an approach that can best facilitate communication with a client who is hearing-impaired. Speaking in a normal tone can help the client to hear the natural variations and inflections of the voice, and to avoid distortion or confusion. Speaking in a high-pitched or low-pitched tone can make the voice harder to hear or understand, especially if the client has a hearing loss in a specific frequency range. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice B reason: Speaks frequently is not an approach that can best facilitate communication with a client who is hearing-impaired. Speaking frequently can overwhelm or fatigue the client, and reduce their ability to process or retain the information. Speaking frequently can also interrupt the client’s thoughts or responses, and prevent them from expressing their needs or concerns. Speaking clearly and concisely, and allowing pauses or breaks, can enhance communication with a client who is hearing-impaired. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C reason: Speaks directly into the unaffected ear is not an approach that can best facilitate communication with a client who is hearing-impaired. Speaking directly into the unaffected ear can create an uncomfortable or unnatural position for the client and the nurse, and interfere with eye contact or facial expressions. Speaking directly into the unaffected ear can also create a loud or distorted sound that may be unpleasant or painful for the client.

Speaking face-to-face, and slightly toward the unaffected ear, can improve communication with a client who is hearing-impaired. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Speaks in a normal volume is an approach that can best facilitate communication with a client who is hearing-impaired. Speaking in a normal volume can help the client to hear the voice without difficulty or strain, and to avoid embarrassment or irritation. Speaking in a loud volume can make the voice harder to hear or understand, as it can cause background noise, echo, or feedback. Speaking in a loud volume can also imply shouting or anger, which can be disrespectful or offensive to the client. Therefore, this choice is correct.