The nurse listens to a patient relating to precipitating factors that led to the vertigo. Which approach by the nurse would be most therapeutic when eliciting additional information during the interview?

Sends the PCA to ask if the patient is having dizziness

Writes down what the patient says, avoids eye contact, and tells the patient they will be alright

Utilizes open-ended questions to elicit more information

Turns away from the patient as the patient describes symptoms to the nurse

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Therapeutic communication in nursing is based on patient-centered interviewing, active listening, verbal facilitation techniques, and information exploration strategies, which promote accurate data collection, patient trust, and comprehensive understanding of symptoms such as vertigo, which may have vestibular, neurological, or cardiovascular origins.

Rationale:

A. Sending a PCA to assess dizziness is inappropriate because it bypasses the nurse–patient therapeutic relationship and delegates assessment communication in a non-therapeutic and clinically unsound manner. It also risks inaccurate symptom interpretation without nursing assessment.

B. Writing notes while avoiding eye contact and giving reassurance without assessment limits therapeutic engagement. This behavior reflects non-therapeutic communication, reduces patient trust, and prevents exploration of symptom characteristics necessary for clinical evaluation of vertigo.

C. Using open-ended questions is the most therapeutic approach because it encourages detailed patient responses, promotes elaboration of symptom characteristics such as onset, duration, triggers, and associated symptoms, and enhances accurate clinical data collection during nursing assessment.

D. Turning away from the patient demonstrates non-verbal disengagement and lack of active listening. This behavior decreases rapport, limits patient disclosure, and interferes with effective therapeutic communication needed to assess complex symptoms like vertigo.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Effective communication in nursing involves using therapeutic techniques to de-escalate conflict and establish a rapport with frustrated families. This process requires active listening and the utilization of empathic responses to validate concerns while maintaining professional boundaries and ensuring the continuity of quality patient care.

Rationale:

A. Discussing the situation with a house supervisor is an escalation step used for unresolved or administrative conflicts. While it provides managerial support, it does not directly address the interpersonal dynamics between the nurse and the family. It should only be used if direct communication fails.

B. Scheduling a formal family meeting is an interprofessional intervention often reserved for complex medical decision-making or palliative care planning. For ongoing complaints, this may feel too confrontational or delayed, whereas the nurse needs to address the immediate climate of the patient's room.

C. Maintaining open and honest communication is the foundational nursing strategy for building trust and resolving dissatisfaction. This proactive approach allows the nurse to address perceived grievances in real-time, preventing the accumulation of resentment and fostering a collaborative care environment. It is the most direct intervention.

D. A referral to social work is appropriate when there are identified psychosocial needs or resource deficits affecting the family's coping. While social workers are skilled in mediation, the primary responsibility for maintaining the nurse-family relationship lies with the bedside nurse during daily clinical interactions.

A. Give weekends off only to those persons who have been there the longest B. Reduce the staffing pattern to only what's needed on weekends so that requests can be granted C. Call a meeting and remind staff that a charge nurse cannot change hospital policy D. Using the hospital policy, prepare a schedule that is fair to all staff

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Effective nursing leadership relies on fair staffing allocation, policy adherence, ethical decision-making, and equitable workforce management, ensuring that scheduling decisions maintain organizational consistency, staff satisfaction, and compliance with institutional policies while supporting unit functionality and patient care delivery.

Rationale:

A. Giving weekends off based on seniority alone introduces bias and violates principles of fairness and equitable staffing distribution. While seniority may be considered in some systems, it does not override structured scheduling policies designed to ensure balanced staffing.

B. Reducing staffing levels to accommodate weekend requests compromises safe nurse-to-patient ratios and can negatively impact patient outcomes. Staffing decisions must prioritize patient safety and acuity needs, not staff convenience.

C. Calling a meeting to remind staff of unchangeable policy does not resolve the underlying scheduling conflict. While communication is important, this approach does not demonstrate effective leadership problem-solving or equitable workload distribution.

D. Using hospital policy to create a fair and consistent schedule is the most appropriate action. It ensures adherence to organizational rules while promoting equity, transparency, and staff morale, which are essential components of effective charge nurse leadership.

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The nurse listens to a patient relating to precipitating factors that led to the vertigo. Which approach by the nurse would be most therapeutic when eliciting additional information during the interview?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is working with a patient's family who constantly complains about the hospital experience. To improve communication with this family, which strategy would be most appropriate for the nurse use?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The charge nurse receives repeated requests by staff for more weekends off than policy allows. The charge nurse understands that in order to be an effective leader, one must maintain a healthy relationship with the staff. Which is the best method for the charge nurse to address the request?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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