The nurse preceptor is instructing the new nurse on appropriate communication techniques. The new nurse indicates a need for further teaching on using assertive communication, if she does which of the following when communicating with patients? Select one answer

Choice A reason: Restating is a therapeutic communication technique that involves repeating or paraphrasing what the client has said to show understanding and clarify meaning. It is not an appropriate intervention to provide comfort during a painful procedure, especially when the client does not speak English. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: Listening is a therapeutic communication technique that involves paying atention and showing interest in what the client has to say. It is an important skill for building rapport and trust, but it is not an effective intervention to provide comfort during a painful procedure, especially when the client does not speak English.

Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C reason: Silence is a therapeutic communication technique that involves allowing pauses or gaps in the conversation to give the client time to think, reflect, or express emotions. It can be useful in some situations, but it is not a sufficient intervention to provide comfort during a painful procedure, especially when the client does not speak English. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Touch is a nonverbal communication technique that involves using physical contact to convey empathy, support, or reassurance. It can be a powerful intervention to provide comfort during a painful procedure, as long as it is done with respect, consent, and cultural sensitivity. It can also transcend language barriers and communicate caring and compassion. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice A reason: "There is no reason to worry. This surgeon has an excellent reputation.” is not the best nursing response. This response shows false reassurance, which is a communication technique that involves minimizing or dismissing the other person’s feelings or situation. It also shows authority, which is a communication barrier that involves using one’s position or status to influence or persuade the other person. It does not address the client’s emotions or needs, and may sound patronizing or condescending. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: “It sounds as though you have mixed feelings about the surgery. Can you tell me more about how you feel?” is the best nursing response. This response shows active listening, which is a communication skill that involves hearing, understanding, and responding to the client’s verbal and nonverbal messages. It also shows empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It acknowledges and validates the client’s emotions, and invites them to express their concerns or fears. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C reason: "The benefits outweigh the risks. You can be confident that the surgery should be done.” is not the best nursing response. This response shows persuasion, which is a communication technique that involves using logic or evidence to convince or influence the other person. It also shows assumption, which is a communication barrier that involves making judgments or guesses about what the other person thinks or feels. It does not address the client’s emotions or needs, and may sound coercive or manipulative. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: "You are bound to feel much beter once it is all over with.” is not the best nursing response. This response shows cliché, which is a communication technique that involves using overused or trite expressions that lack meaning or sincerity. It also shows avoidance, which is a communication barrier that involves shifting the focus away from the other person’s feelings or situation. It does not address the client’s emotions or needs, and may sound vague or insincere. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.