Question

A nurse is recording the health history of a newly admitted client. The nurse asks the client to explain what he or she means when the client is providing health information. Which therapeutic communication technique is being utilized by the nurse? a. Informing b. Restating c. Clarification d. Reflection

Short answer

c. Clarification

Step-by-step solution

Understand Therapeutic Communication Techniques

Therapeutic communication techniques are strategies used by health professionals to promote effective communication with patients. Common techniques include informing, restating, clarification, and reflection.

Define Each Technique

Informing involves providing information to the patient. Restating means repeating the patient's message in the nurse's own words. Clarification involves asking the patient to elaborate or explain their message to ensure the nurse's understanding. Reflection involves directing the conversation back to the patient to explore their feelings.

Analyze the Nurse's Action

The nurse is asking the patient to explain what he or she means when providing health information. This aim is to ensure the nurse understands the patient's message clearly, which corresponds with the definition of clarification.

Select the Appropriate Option

Given that the nurse is seeking to understand the patient's explanation by asking for clarification, the correct option is c. Clarification.

Key concepts

nursing communication

Nursing communication refers to the methods and techniques used by nurses to effectively exchange information with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals. Effective communication in nursing is essential for delivering high-quality care and ensuring patient safety.

• Building Trust: Establishes a foundation of trust between nurses and patients.
• Promotes Understanding: Helps in clearly conveying information, which is crucial for patient education.
• Fosters Cooperation: Collaboration with other healthcare professionals improves overall care.

Therapeutic communication is a part of nursing communication and focuses on strategies that promote mental and emotional well-being. It involves various techniques that are deliberately used to encourage patients to express their feelings and thoughts openly.

clarification technique

Clarification is a therapeutic communication technique where a nurse asks the patient to elaborate or explain their statements to ensure a clear understanding. It avoids misunderstanding and ensures that the nurse comprehends the patient's message accurately. This technique is particularly vital when discussing health histories or treatment plans.
Here are some characteristics of the clarification technique:

• Ensures Accuracy: By asking the patient to clarify, the nurse makes sure that there is no miscommunication.
• Promotes Patient Safety: Accurate understanding of patient's statements can prevent errors in care.
• Enhances Patient-Nurse Relationship: The patient feels heard and valued when the nurse seeks to understand their perspective.

For example, if a patient says, 'I sometimes feel dizzy,' the nurse using the clarification technique might respond, 'Can you tell me more about when you feel dizzy?' This not only helps the nurse understand the patient’s condition better but also builds a foundation for effective and personalized care.

patient interaction

Patient interaction is the way nurses connect and communicate with patients during care. It encompasses all forms of communication and engagement between the nurse and the patient, ranging from verbal conversations to non-verbal cues like body language. Effective patient interaction is crucial in healthcare for several reasons.

• Promotes Comfort: Positive interactions make patients feel comfortable and cared for.
• Facilitates Better Care: Understanding patient’s needs and concerns helps in tailoring care plans.
• Improves Compliance: Patients are more likely to follow treatment recommendations if they feel understood and supported.

One of the key aspects of patient interaction is active listening. Active listening involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the patient says. It encourages patients to share more information, leading to better diagnosis and treatment.