A nurse is caring for four clients. For which of the following clients should the nurse use the therapeutic communication technique of silence?
A client who plans to leave the facility against medical advice.
A client who informs the nurse that they have made their funeral arrangements.
A client who tells the nurse that the night shift nurse did not bring their medication.
A client who has just experienced the death of their child.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice D: A client who has just experienced the death of their child.
Choice A rationale:
Offering silence to a client who plans to leave the facility against medical advice might not be the most appropriate therapeutic communication technique. Silence in this situation could be misconstrued as ignoring the client's concerns or not addressing their reasons for wanting to leave. Active listening and open-ended questioning would likely be more effective in understanding and addressing the client's concerns.
Choice B rationale:
A client who informs the nurse that they have made their funeral arrangements is expressing thoughts and emotions that might require sensitive communication. Silence in this context could be interpreted as neglecting the client's need for support and empathy. The nurse should engage in a compassionate conversation and encourage the client to share their feelings.
Choice C rationale:
For a client who tells the nurse that the night shift nurse did not bring their medication, silence would not be the most suitable response. This situation calls for clarification and action, as the nurse needs to address the medication discrepancy promptly. Engaging in open communication and resolving the issue is essential here.
Choice D rationale:
A client who has just experienced the death of their child is likely overwhelmed with grief and intense emotions. In this scenario, using the therapeutic communication technique of silence can provide the client with a supportive space to process their feelings. Offering a moment of silence acknowledges the depth of their emotions and gives them the opportunity to express themselves when they are ready.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B: Performance of a paracentesis.
Choice A rationale:
Administration of an enema does not require informed consent in the same way that invasive procedures do. Enemas are typically considered routine nursing interventions and are not as invasive as the other options.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct choice. A paracentesis is an invasive procedure that involves puncturing the abdominal cavity to withdraw fluid. Informed consent is required for procedures that carry potential risks, and paracentesis falls into this category due to the risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, or organ injury.

Choice C rationale:
Insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter is a common nursing procedure that, while invasive, does not typically require informed consent. However, the nurse should still explain the procedure to the client and obtain verbal consent, but it's not the same level of formal informed consent required for more invasive procedures.
Choice D rationale:
Placement of an NG tube, although uncomfortable, is not as invasive as a paracentesis. In most cases, NG tube placement is considered a medical or nursing intervention rather than a procedure that necessitates formal informed consent.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice **d. Providing client information to another nurse at change of shift**.
Choice A rationale:
Sharing the client's prognosis with a family member without the client's consent violates the client's right to confidentiality. The nurse should only disclose information to family members if the client has provided permission or if it is necessary for the client's care.
Choice B rationale:
Discussing the client's status with a member of the spiritual support team may be appropriate if the client has consented to spiritual support and the nurse limits the discussion to information relevant to the spiritual care. However, disclosing the client's diagnosis or other sensitive information without the client's consent would still be a breach of confidentiality.
Choice C rationale:
Collaborating with a nurse from another unit about the client's care is appropriate if it is necessary for the client's treatment and if the discussion is limited to information relevant to the client's care. The nurse should ensure that the discussion takes place in a private setting and that no unauthorized individuals can overhear the conversation.
Choice D rationale:
Providing client information to another nurse at change of shift is necessary for the continuity of the client's care and is considered an appropriate disclosure within the healthcare team. The nurse should ensure that the discussion takes place in a private setting and that no unauthorized individuals can overhear the conversation.
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