A patient’s spouse smokes cigarettes in the kitchen while the patient uses supplemental oxygen in the bedroom. Which is the priority nursing diagnosis for this family?

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because "When did you first seek health care for your symptoms?" is not an example of back-channeling. Back-channeling is a communication technique that involves using verbal or non-verbal cues to indicate that the listener is paying attention and encouraging the speaker to continue. This statement is an example of an open-ended question, which is another communication technique that involves asking questions that require more than a yes or no answer and elicit more information from the speaker.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because "I am sure the doctor will answer all of your questions shortly." is not an example of back-channeling. Back-channeling is a communication technique that involves using verbal or non-verbal cues to indicate that the listener is paying attention and encouraging the speaker to continue. This statement is an example of a reassurance, which is another communication technique that involves expressing confidence or support to the speaker and alleviating their anxiety or fear.

Choice C reason: This is the correct choice because "I completely understand. Can you tell me more?" is an example of back-channeling. Back-channeling is a communication technique that involves using verbal or non-verbal cues to indicate that the listener is paying attention and encouraging the speaker to continue. This statement is an example of a verbal cue, which involves using words or phrases that show empathy, interest, or agreement, and invite the speaker to elaborate or clarify their message.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because "Try not to worry. I'm sure that you will be just fine." is not an example of back-channeling. Back-channeling is a communication technique that involves using verbal or non-verbal cues to indicate that the listener is paying attention and encouraging the speaker to continue. This statement is an example of a false reassurance, which is a communication barrier that involves making unrealistic or unfounded promises or predictions to the speaker and dismissing their concerns or feelings.

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because calling the operator to activate the fire alarm is not the nurse’s first response when a patient smokes in the hospital bathroom and starts a fire. Calling the operator to activate the fire alarm is an important action to alert the fire department and the other staff and patients, but it is not the most urgent or priority action. The nurse should first ensure the safety of the patient and themselves before calling for help.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because closing the door to contain the fire is not the nurse’s first response when a patient smokes in the hospital bathroom and starts a fire. Closing the door to contain the fire is a helpful action to prevent the fire from spreading to other areas, but it is not the most urgent or priority action. The nurse should first ensure the safety of the patient and themselves before containing the fire.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because utilizing a fire extinguisher to put out the fire is not the nurse’s first response when a patient smokes in the hospital bathroom and starts a fire. Utilizing a fire extinguisher to put out the fire is a possible action to control the fire, but it is not the most urgent or priority action. The nurse should first ensure the safety of the patient and themselves before attempting to extinguish the fire.

Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because removing the patient to a safe area is the nurse’s first response when a patient smokes in the hospital bathroom and starts a fire. Removing the patient to a safe area is the most urgent and priority action to protect the patient from the fire, smoke, and heat. The nurse should first assess the patient for any injuries or burns, and then move the patient to a safe and clear location away from the fire.