Theory final PrepU ch. 20
A nurse is discussing cataract treatment with a client. Which of the following statements by the nurse would be most therapeutic? a) "My grandfather also benefited from laser surgery." b) "Why don't you try laser surgery?" c) "You should try laser surgery." d) "Have you ever thought of laser surgery?"
"Have you ever thought of laser surgery?" Explanation: "Have you ever thought of laser surgery?" is a therapeutic response and encourages the client to express his views. Statements like, "You should try laser surgery"; "Why don't you try laser surgery"; and "My grandfather also benefited from laser surgery" are nontherapeutic and are equivalent to giving advice.
A student nurse is attempting to improve her communication skills. Which of the following is an appropriate therapeutic communication skill? a) Control the tone of the voice to avoid hidden messages. b) Avoid the use of periods of silence. c) Be precise and inflexible regarding the intent of the conversation. d) Use cliches to enhance a client's understanding of information.
Control the tone of the voice to avoid hidden messages. Explanation: Conversation skills involve controlling the tone of one's voice so that exactly what is intended is conveyed, and there is no hidden message. Periods of silence have an important role in conversations because they allow for periods of reflection. Cliches should be avoided, and the conversation should be flexible.
A nurse is preparing to enter a client's room to perform wound care. The shift report revealed that this client has a tunneling wound in the sacral area that cannot be staged. The wound was also documented as having a foul odor. The nurse is nervous because she has not performed wound care on a complex wound in the past. Using effective intrapersonal communication, this nurse should: a) inform the client that several nurses will be needed to care for this wound. b) ask the charge nurse to change her assignment. c) tell herself to "remain calm" and remember that she was trained to perform this skill. d) tell the nursing assistant to gather supplies and to prepare to cleanse and dress the wound.
tell herself to "remain calm" and remember that she was trained to perform this skill. Explanation: Intrapersonal communication, or self-talk, is communication within a person. This communication is crucial because it affects the nurse's behavior and can enhance or detract from positive interactions with the client and family. Understanding the importance of intrapersonal communication can also help you to work with clients and families whose negative self-talk affects their health and self-care abilities. Speaking directly to the client, a nursing assistant, or charge nurse are examples of interpersonal communication, not interpersonal. This duty cannot be delegated to an unlicensed assistive personnel. The nurse should not change her assignment but could ask for help in dealing with the complex wound.