A nurse is teaching a class about the steps of critical thinking.
The nurse should include that interpreting data is included in which of the following steps?

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.

Choice A rationale:

The National Student Nurses Association is primarily focused on students and recent graduates. While it can be an excellent organization for student nurses, it may not provide opportunities for a nurse looking to become involved in nursing on a national level beyond their student years.

Choice B rationale:

The National Academy of Medicine is an organization that focuses on health policy and research. While it is a prestigious organization, it is not specifically a nursing organization, and its focus may not align with the goals of a nurse seeking to become more involved in nursing on a national level.

Choice C rationale:

The American Nurses Association (ANA) is a national organization specifically dedicated to advancing the nursing profession. It offers various opportunities for nurses to get involved in national-level nursing advocacy, policy development, and professional growth. Joining the ANA is a suitable choice for a nurse looking to make a national impact in the field of nursing.

Choice D rationale:

The National League for Nursing (NLN) is an organization that primarily focuses on nursing education. While it plays a crucial role in the field of nursing, its focus is more on education and may not align with a nurse's goal to become involved in nursing on a national level from a broader perspective.