The nurse uses silence as a therapeutic communication technique. What is the purpose of the nurse's silence?
Prevent the nurse from saying the wrong thing.
Prompt the client to talk when he or she is ready.
Determine if the client would prefer to talk with another person.
Allow time for the client to drift off to sleep.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While silence might help a nurse avoid impulsive or unhelpful comments, its primary clinical purpose is not self-censorship. Therapeutic communication focuses on the needs and progress of the client rather than the nurse’s internal struggles with what to say next. Using silence as a shield against saying the wrong thing is a defensive posture rather than a proactive therapeutic tool. Effective silence is a deliberate choice made to facilitate the patient's own processing and expression.
Choice B rationale
Silence provides a quiet space that encourages the client to organize their thoughts and share their feelings at their own pace. It signals that the nurse is present, attentive, and willing to wait, which reduces the pressure on the client to speak quickly. This technique is especially useful when discussing sensitive or emotional topics, as it allows the individual to lead the conversation and find the words they need to describe their internal experiences or concerns.
Choice C rationale
Silence is not intended to be an awkward gap that suggests a lack of rapport or a need for a different healthcare provider. If a client prefers to speak with someone else, that should be addressed through direct communication or observation of the client's comfort levels. Using silence to test whether a patient wants another nurse is an inefficient and potentially confusing approach. Therapeutic silence should instead foster a sense of safety and openness within the current relationship.
Choice D rationale
While a quiet environment is necessary for rest, therapeutic silence is a communication strategy used during active interaction. If the goal is to allow the patient to sleep, the nurse would typically leave the room or dim the lights rather than sitting in silence as a communication technique. Silence in therapy is about engagement and active listening without verbal interruption, aimed at promoting psychological insight and verbalization rather than physical sleep or unconsciousness for the patient.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["0.2"]
Explanation
Step 1 is 2 mg ÷ 10 mg/mL.
Step 2 is 0.2 mL. .
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale
Using a facility-designated interpreter ensures that the communication is accurate, confidential, and professional. Medical interpreters are trained to translate complex clinical terminology without adding personal bias or omitting critical details. This practice protects the client's right to privacy under HIPAA and ensures informed consent is truly informed. Using a certified professional minimizes the risk of medical errors that can occur when instructions are misunderstood, providing a standardized level of care for all clients.
Choice A rationale
Asking a partner to interpret is inappropriate because it can lead to breaches of confidentiality and inaccuracies in translation. Family members may omit sensitive information, add their own opinions, or lack the medical vocabulary necessary to translate health conditions accurately. Additionally, the client might not feel comfortable disclosing private symptoms or history in front of a partner. Hospital policy and federal guidelines generally discourage using family members as interpreters except in extreme, life-threatening emergencies.
Choice B rationale
Using a nursing colleague to interpret is not recommended unless they are officially certified as a medical interpreter. Being fluent in a language does not mean a person understands the nuances of medical translation. Furthermore, pulling a colleague away from their own assigned clients disrupts the workflow and compromises the safety of other patients on the unit. It is much safer and more professional to use the services specifically provided by the healthcare facility for this purpose.
Choice C rationale
Internet translation services are often unreliable for medical communication because they may not account for regional dialects, medical jargon, or the specific context of a healthcare interaction. These services also pose a significant risk to patient privacy, as entering sensitive health information into a public website can lead to data breaches. The lack of accountability and the high potential for dangerous mistranslations make this an unacceptable method for admitting a client into a medical facility.
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