A nurse is preparing to provide education to a client about the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Which of the following information should the nurse include?

The correct answer is Choice A: Coordinates all healthcare client has received into one platform.

Choice A rationale:

Electronic health records (EHRs) integrate all of a patient's healthcare information into one centralized platform, making it easier for healthcare providers to access and coordinate care.

Choice B rationale:

While EHRs can allow for sharing information with authorized individuals, granting significant other access to client information is not a primary function of EHRs and requires specific consent and permissions.

Choice C rationale:

EHRs do provide information that can be used for research studies, but this is not a primary benefit emphasized in patient education.

Choice D rationale:

EHRs do allow clients to access their medical records electronically, but this is not the primary focus of the teaching about the benefits of EHRs.

a. Using medical jargon

• Rationale: Medical jargon can be precise and efficient for communication among healthcare professionals. However, it can be confusing and intimidating for patients or non-medical staff, which is not therapeutic.

b. Active listening

• Rationale: Active listening involves fully focusing, understanding, responding and then remembering what is being said. It is a fundamental component of therapeutic communication as it shows respect and understanding for the speaker, builds trust, and helps to facilitate a deeper understanding of a patient’s perspective and needs.

c. Giving advice

• Rationale: While it might seem helpful to give advice, it can often disempower the patient or make them feel like they are not being heard. Therapeutic communication should be patient-centered and empowering.

d. Using closed-ended questions

• Rationale: Closed-ended questions can be useful for gathering specific information quickly. However, they limit the depth of response and can shut down communication, making them less therapeutic.

The correct answer isb. Active listening. This technique is a key component of therapeutic communication as it encourages a deeper understanding and is respectful and patient-centered. It helps in building a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship.