The young client says, “I’m really stressed out about this pregnancy.” When the Practical Nurse (PN) responds, “What about this pregnancy worries you?”, he or she is using the technique of:

Choice A reason: Collects data is not an activity that the nurse performs during the planning step of the nursing process. Collecting data is an activity that the nurse performs during the assessment step of the nursing process, which involves gathering and analyzing information about the client’s health status, history, and environment.

Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: Records data is not an activity that the nurse performs during the planning step of the nursing process. Recording data is an activity that the nurse performs during the documentation step of the nursing process, which involves writing or entering the data and findings in the client’s record or chart. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C reason: Prioritizes care is an activity that the nurse performs during the planning step of the nursing process. Prioritizing care is an activity that involves ranking the client’s problems, needs, or risks according to their urgency, importance, or potential impact. It helps the nurse to allocate time and resources efficiently, and to address the most critical or significant issues first. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice D reason: Carries out interventions is not an activity that the nurse performs during the planning step of the nursing process. Carrying out interventions is an activity that the nurse performs during the implementation step of the nursing process, which involves executing the plan of care and performing the interventions and activities that were planned. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice A reason: “I am sure they are all beef hot dogs. Would you like me to get a substitution from the kitchen?” is not the best response by the PN. 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 assumption, which is a communication barrier that involves making judgments or guesses about what the other person thinks or feels. It does not respect the client’s dietary preferences, and may sound patronizing or condescending. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: “I don’t understand why that should make a difference.” is not the best response by the PN. This response shows lack of knowledge, which is a communication barrier that involves being unaware or ignorant of the other person’s culture, beliefs, or values. It also shows indifference, which is a communication barrier that involves showing no interest or concern for the other person’s feelings or situation. It does not respect the client’s dietary preferences, and may sound rude or offensive. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C reason: “So you don’t want anything to eat, then?” is not the best response by the PN. This response shows closed-ended questioning, which is a communication technique that involves asking questions that require a yes or no answer or a specific piece of information. It also shows sarcasm, which is a communication barrier that involves using irony or mockery to hurt or ridicule the other person. It does not respect the client’s dietary preferences, and may sound hostile or aggressive. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: “I respect your dietary preferences. Let me see what else I can offer you.” is the best response by the PN. This response shows respect, which is a value or attitude that involves showing consideration, appreciation, and recognition for the other person as a unique and holistic person. It also shows support, which is a communication technique that involves providing emotional or practical assistance to the other person, and helping them cope with their situation or problem. It respects the client’s dietary preferences, and shows that the PN is caring, helpful, and empathetic. Therefore, this choice is correct.