When communicating with a hearing-impaired patient, the nurse appropriately:

A. The nurse-patient relationship ends when the patient is discharged.
The nurse-patient relationship is time-limited and often ends when the patient is discharged, which aligns with its structured, goal-oriented nature.

B. A social relationship does not have goals or needs to be met. While social relationships may not have structured goals, they can still have mutual needs or goals. In contrast, the nurse-patient relationship has specific health-related goals and objectives focused on patient care.

C. The focus is mainly on the nurse in the nurse-patient relationship. This is incorrect, as the primary focus of the therapeutic relationship is on the patient's needs and well-being, not the nurse’s.

D. A social relationship does not require trust or sharing of life experiences. Social relationships do require trust and sharing of experiences; however, they are typically not bound by the professional boundaries, goals, and time limitations that define the nurse-patient relationship.

A. is packing belongings in preparation for discharge. Although discharge is an appropriate time for patient education, it may be too late to introduce complex information that requires practice or understanding. Teaching moments often occur earlier in the care process.

B. says, "How will I remember all the things about my new diet?" This is an ideal teaching moment as the patient is expressing concern and showing readiness to learn about the diet. The nurse can use this moment to provide guidance on strategies to remember dietary instructions.

C. has just returned from surgery for a deviated septum. Immediately post-surgery, the patient may be under the influence of anesthesia or pain medication, limiting their ability to absorb information. Teaching at this time may not be effective.

D. has just been told of the malignancy of his tumor. Right after receiving bad news, patients may experience shock, grief, or distress, making it difficult for them to process additional information. This may not be the right time for education.