NUR 120 Taylor Chapter 20 - Communication

A nurse is having problems communicating with a client. Which statement by the nurse would open up the most dialogue with the client? "Would you like to get out of bed?" "Do you have pain when I move your arm this way? "Would you like an iced tea or juice with lunch?" "You are back from therapy; tell me about it."

"You are back from therapy; tell me about it." Questions that can be answered by simply saying "yes" or "no" tend to cut off discussion, even when the person might wish to continue. The problem with "yes or no" questions arises when seeking more detailed information or when the question might create difficulty. Asking the client what he thought about the therapy session opens up the lines of communication.

Carl Rogers (1961) studied the process of therapeutic communication. Through his research, the elements of a "helpful" person were described. They include all of the following except which choice? Empathy Positive regard Analysis Comfortable sense of self

Analysis Empathy, positive regard, and a comfortable sense of self were among the key ingredients.

The nurse is visiting a hospice client in his home. He is explaining the difficulties he is having with his home infusion pump. By making statements such as "I see" and "go on" during the conversation, the nurse is utilizing which therapeutic nurse-client communication technique? Reflection Encouraging elaboration Restating Clarification

Encouraging elaboration Encouraging elaboration helps the client to describe more fully the concerns or problems under discussion.

When assessing a client's nonverbal communication, the nurse will assess which characteristic as the most expressive part of the body? Facial expressions Posture Hand gestures Eye contact

Facial expressions The face is the most expressive part of the body. Eye contact, the lack of eye contact, posture, gesture, and silence are other methods of nonverbal communication.

A nurse gives a speech on nutrition to a group of pregnant women. What is the speech itself known as? Stimulus Source Message Channel

Message The message is the actual physiologic product of the source. It might be a speech, interview, conversation, chart, gesture, memorandum, or nursing note. This communication process is initiated based on a stimulus. The sender or source of the message is a person or group who initiates or begins the communication process. The channel of communication is the medium the sender has selected to send the message.

A nurse is caring for a client who presents with a skin infection. While obtaining the client's medical history, it is determined that the client is an intravenous drug abuser. To foster effective communication, the nurse should: ask if the client realizes the infection is a direct result of the drug abuse. remain honest, open, and frank. ask the client for a urine specimen for urine drug abuse screening. consult with the social worker regarding inpatient drug rehabilitation.

remain honest, open, and frank. One key factor to effective communication is to be open, accepting, frank, respectful, and without prejudice. When a client feels that a nurse is being judgmental, the client might withhold significant information. You need to develop sensitivity to the unique challenges presented by each client. A urine drug screen may eventually be ordered but is not necessary at this time. There is no evidence the client wants drug rehabilitation at this time. There is no evidence that the skin infection is secondary to the drug abuse.

In order to provide effective nursing care, the nurse should engage in what type of communication with the client and significant others? Purposive communication Intrapersonal communication Metacommunication Therapeutic communication

Therapeutic communication Therapeutic communication facilitates interactions focused on the client and the client's concerns. Therapeutic communication is purposive, but this is not a discrete category of communication.

The nurse is communicating with a client following a routine physical examination. Which statement best demonstrates summarization of the appointment? "We reviewed your plans for your new diet and medications. Do you have any other questions?" "Do you have any questions about all that was discussed during the exam?" "I think all went well with your physical, don't you?" "Will we see you in 6 months to see how your diet has progressed?"

"We reviewed your plans for your new diet and medications. Do you have any other questions?" Summarization highlights the important points of a conversation or interaction. Reminding the client that the diet plan and new medications were discussed best summarizes the appointment.

Paramedics arrive in the emergency department with a victim of a motor vehicle collision. The paramedic reports the driver was restrained, the car was traveling about 30 miles per hour (48 Km/hour) , and the air bags were not deployed. The paramedic continues to report the car was struck from behind and that all individuals in the car were able to self-extricate. Which statement made by the nurse is verifying the report from the paramedic? "All of the victims got themselves out of the car?" "Were there any fatalities in the other vehicle?" "Was there any cracking of the windshield?" "Did a police officer take a report at the accident scene?"

"All of the victims got themselves out of the car?" A validation question or comment serves to validate what the nurse believes she has heard or observed. Asking additional information that was not reported is not validating the report given by the paramedic.

During an admission intake assessment, a nurse uses open-ended questions to gather information. An example of an open-ended question is: "Do you have and advanced directive or a living will?" "Can you tell me the medications you take on a daily basis?" "Are you allergic to any medications?" "Can you tell me why your physician sent you here to be admitted?"

"Can you tell me why your physician sent you here to be admitted?" When obtaining a nursing history, use the open-ended question technique to allow the client a wide range of possible responses. It allows the client to express what he understands to be true, yet is specific enough to prevent digressing from the issue at hand. It encourages free verbalization. The greatest advantage of this technique is that it prevents the client from giving a simple "yes" or "no" answer that has the effect of limiting the client's response. Eliciting medication use, allergies, or advanced directive determination are examples of closed communication where only one or a few words are required for an answer.

The nurse is performing an admission interview with a new client diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome. For the nurse to obtain information and allow the client free verbalization, which question would elicit the most information? "Could you tell me more about how you are feeling right now?" "Did you take any medication when you had the pain?" "I have had chest pain before, and it is really scary!" "Have you ever had chest pain prior to this admission?"

"Could you tell me more about how you are feeling right now?" Using an open-ended question is the most effective way to elicit further conversation and information. Asking the client to tell the nurse more about how they are feeling does not allow for a yes or no response, such as asking if the client had chest pain prior to the admission or if the client took any medication during the pain. When the nurse informs the client about chest pain that was experienced by the nurse, it takes the focus off of the client and does not obtain information that could be helpful.

A nurse is discussing cataract treatment with a client. Which statement by the nurse would be most therapeutic? "My grandfather also benefited from laser surgery." "You should try laser surgery." "Why don't you try laser surgery?" "Have you ever thought of laser surgery?"

"Have you ever thought of laser surgery?" "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 nurse is assessing vital signs on a pregnant client during a routine prenatal visit. The client states, "I know labor will be so painful, it sounds awful. I am sure I will not be able to stand the pain; I really dread going into labor." What is the best response from the nurse? "I would recommend keeping a positive attitude." "There are many good medications to decrease the pain; it will not be so bad." "Don't worry about labor, I have been through it and it is not so bad." "You're worried about how you will tolerate the pain associated with labor."

"You're worried about how you will tolerate the pain associated with labor." Reflecting or paraphrasing confirms that the nurse is following the conversation and demonstrates listening, thus allowing the client to elaborate further. False reassurance may initially relieve the client's anxiety, but it actually closes off communication by trivializing the client's unique feelings and discourages further discussion. Using clichés provides worthless advice and curtails exploring alternatives.

A nurse is completing a health history with a newly admitted client. During the interview, the client presents with an angry affect and states, "If my doctor did a good job, I would not be here right now!" What is the nurse's best response? Be silent and allow the client to continue speaking when ready. Smile and say, "Don't worry, I am sure the physician is doing a good job." Nod and say, "I agree. If I were you, I would get a new doctor." Stand and say, "I can see this interview is making you uncomfortable, so we can continue later."

Be silent and allow the client to continue speaking when ready. When clients are angry or crying, the best nursing response is to remain nonjudgmental, allow them to express their emotions, and return later with a follow-up regarding their legitimate complaints. Therefore, staying silent and allowing the client to continue speaking when ready is the most appropriate response in this scenario. Giving false reassurance, agreeing, giving advice, or avoiding the subject are traps that block or hinder verbal communication.

Which qualities in a nurse help the nurse to become effective in providing for a client's needs while remaining compassionately detached? Sympathy Empathy Kindness Commiseration

Empathy Empathy refers to intuitive awareness of what the client is experiencing. It helps the nurse perform activities and remain emotionally neutral. Sympathy means feeling as emotionally distraught as the client. If the nurse sympathizes with the client, the nurse may feel equally disturbed, and performance may be affected. Kindness and commiseration also have an emotional component attached to them.

A family has lost a member who was treated for leukemia at a nursing unit. The nurse provides emotional support to the family and counsels them to cope with their loss. Which quality should the nurse use in this situation? Sympathy Pity Empathy Indifference

Empathy The nurse should empathize with the family for their loss. Empathy helps the nurse to provide effective care and support without being emotionally distraught by the family's condition. If the nurse becomes indifferent to the family's condition, the nurse may not be able to assess their needs. The nurse should not pity, or provide sympathy to, the family for their loss, as it would involve the nurse emotionally.

The nurse and the physical therapist discuss the therapy schedule and goals for a client on a rehabilitation unit. What type of communication is occurring between the nurse and the therapist? Interpersonal Intrapersonal Small-group Organizational

Interpersonal The nurse and physical therapist are engaging in interpersonal communication, which occurs between two or more people with the goal to exchange messages. Intrapersonal communication, or self-talk, is the communication that happens within the individual. Small-group communication occurs when nurses interact with two or more individuals. Organizational communication occurs when individuals and groups within an organization communicate to achieve established goals.

A nurse gives a speech on nutrition to a group of pregnant women. What is the speech itself known as? Message Source Channel Stimulus

Message The message is the actual physiologic product of the source. It might be a speech, interview, conversation, chart, gesture, memorandum, or nursing note. This communication process is initiated based on a stimulus. The sender or source of the message is a person or group who initiates or begins the communication process. The channel of communication is the medium the sender has selected to send the message.

A male client has always prided himself in maintaining good health and is consequently shocked at his recent diagnosis of diabetes. The nurse has asked the client, "How do you think your diabetes is going to affect your lifestyle?" The nurse has utilized which of the following interviewing techniques? Validating question Open-ended question Closed question Reflective question

Open-ended question The nurse's question allows for a wide range of responses and encourages free verbalization, characteristics of a useful open-ended question. Validating questions allow the nurse to confirm what was previously said, while closed questions necessitate a "yes" or "no" answer. A reflective question or comment repeats what the client has recently said.

A home care nurse discusses with a client when visits will occur and how long they will last. In what phase of the nurse-client relationship is this type of agreement established? All of the above Working phase Orientation phase Termination phase

Orientation phase During the orientation phase, the nurse will discuss with the client when visits will occur and how long they will last. The working phase is usually the longest phase of the nurse-client relationship. During this phase, the nurse works together with the client to meet the client's physical and psychosocial needs. Interaction is the essence of the working phase. The termination phase occurs when the conclusion of the initial agreement is acknowledged.

The nursing instructor is discussing communication with a student. The student identifies that a contract is made with the client during which phase of the nurse-client relationship? Orientation phase Termination phase Working phase Intimate phase

Orientation phase The orientation phase of the relationship represents the first phase of therapeutic work and involves signing of formal contracts. Formal contracts in this setting are used as a therapeutic tool to help a client develop more insight and control over his or her own behavior.

The client recently immigrated from Mumbai, India. The client was just admitted to the nurse's unit postoperatively following gallstone removal. The client does not speak the dominant language. When using the hospital's interpretive services, which is most important? Ensure that family members are present. Have the interpreter write out all of the information listed in the unit brochure. Give all of the discharge instructions at once. Speak directly to the client.

Speak directly to the client. When utilizing an interpreter, speak clearly in a conversational tone and directly address the client. While a client may be more comfortable having a family member present, this is not required. Interpreters should not be asked to translate written information; instead, the nurse should verbally explain the brochure or a copy should be obtained in the clients's native language.

A nurse working with an experienced licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) delegates the task of administering oral medications to a team of clients. The nurse observes the LPN/LVN document a client's medication administration before entering the client's room. What is the most appropriate action of the nurse? Contact the nurse manager to discuss the actions of the LPN/LVN. Stop the LPN/LVN immediately and discuss the possible consequences of this action. Check all client's medication records to make sure the appropriate drugs were given. Continue to supervise the LPN/LVN as medications are being administered.

Stop the LPN/LVN immediately and discuss the possible consequences of this action. Administration of oral medication is within the scope of practice for a LPN/LVN. However, the LPN/LVN has violated one of the rights of medication administration and is practicing unsafe care. The RN's responsibility requires that he or she stop the LPN/LVN immediately and discuss the possible consequences of this action. Checking all the client's medication records, contacting the nurse manager, and continuing to supervise the LPN/LVN are inappropriate actions.

Which activity takes place during the working phase of the nurse-client relationship? Select all that apply. The client identifies the goals accomplished in the relationship. The client describes the role that the nurse plays in the relationship. The client participates actively in the relationship. The client and nurse identify goals of the relationship. The client genuinely expresses concerns to the nurse.

The client participates actively in the relationship. The client genuinely expresses concerns to the nurse. The working phase of the nurse-client relationship involves active participation toward goals and genuine expression of concerns and feelings. Identification of goals and relationships occurs in the orientation phase. Identifying that goals have been accomplished is characteristic of the termination phase.

A nurse has been caring for a client who suffered a myocardial infarction 2 days ago. During the morning assessment, the nurse asks the client how he feels. Which scenario warrants further investigation? The client stares at the floor and states, "I feel fine." The client is sitting in a chair and states, "I feel a lot better than I did yesterday. The client looks at the nurse and states, "I am still not feeling my best." The client smiles at the nurse and states, "I cannot wait to go home."

The client stares at the floor and states, "I feel fine." It often helps nurses to understand subtle and hidden meanings in what the client is saying verbally. For example, a nurse asks the client, "How do you feel today?" and the client responds, "I feel all right." However, the nurse notes the client does not maintain eye contact and his facial expression is tense. This would indicate that the nurse should investigate further because of the incongruence of the client's verbal and nonverbal communication. In the other three scenarios, the nurse-client communication was effective and no further investigation was warranted.

A nurse who is caring for newborn infants delivers care by utilizing the sense that is most highly developed at birth. Which example of nursing care achieves this goal? The nurse wears colorful clothing to stimulate the infant. The nurse plays "peek-a-boo" with the infant. The nurse gently strokes the baby's cheek to facilitate breastfeeding. The nurse speaks to the infant in a loud voice to get attention.

The nurse gently strokes the baby's cheek to facilitate breastfeeding. The sense most highly developed at birth would be the sense of neurological reflex. The nurse gently stroking the baby's cheek to have the baby turn toward the stroke is a developmental reflex. The nurse would not use a loud voice or wear colorful clothing while caring for a newborn. The infant is not at the stage of development where playing "peek-a-boo" would be appropriate.

A nurse is communicating the plan of care to a client who is cognitively impaired. Which nursing actions facilitate this process? Select all that apply. The nurse maintains eye contact with the client. The nurse keeps communication simple and concrete. The nurse communicates in a busy environment to hold the client's attention. The nurse gives lengthy explanations of the care that will be given. The nurse shows patience with the client and gives the client time to respond. If there is no response, the nurse does not repeat what is said and takes a break.

The nurse maintains eye contact with the client. The nurse shows patience with the client and gives the client time to respond. The nurse keeps communication simple and concrete. There are several nursing actions that would be appropriate to facilitate. The nurse would maintain eye contact with the client. The nurse shows patience and gives the client time to respond. The nurse keeps communication simple and concrete. The nurse would not communicate in a busy environment because this could be distracting to the client. The nurse would not give lengthy explanations to the client regarding the care to be given. The nurse would repeat the information if no response was shared by the client.

Each of the following facilitates a therapeutic nurse-client relationship except: closed-ended questions. rephrasing. active listening. reflection.

closed-ended questions. Rephrasing, reflection, and active listening are essential for accurate assessment and interventions.

A dialysis nurse is educating a client on caring for the dialysis access that was inserted into the client's right arm. The nurse assesses the client's fears and concerns related to dialysis, the dialysis access, and care of the access. This information is taught over several sessions during the course of the client's hospitalization. Which phase of the working relationship is best described in this scenario? The working phase The introduction phase The orientation phase The termination phase

The working phase There are three phases of a helping relationship: the orientation phase, the working phase, and the termination phase. The introduction phase is not a valid phase, yet the nurse will introduce herself during the orientation phase. The scenario defines characteristics of the working phase, during which the nurse and client work together to meet the client's physical and psychosocial needs. During the orientation phase, the tone and guidelines for the relationship are established. The termination phase occurs when the conclusion of the initial agreement is acknowledged.

A nurse during orientation notices that the preceptor gives all subcutaneous injections on a 45-degree angle. When the new nurse asks the preceptor the rationale for the practice the preceptors states, "This is how I do it, and this is how you will do it." The new nurse recognizes this behavior to be: passive. nurturing. aggressive. assertive.

aggressive. Aggressive behavior involves asserting one's rights in a negative manner that violates the rights of others. Aggression can be verbal or physical. It is communication that is marked by tension and anger and inhibits the formation of good relationships and collaboration. Characteristics of aggressive verbal behavior include using an angry tone of voice, making accusations, and demonstrating belligerence and intolerance. Aggressive behavior is rude and threatening. The focus is usually on "winning at all costs" and/or demonstrating personal excellence. Comments such as "do it my way" or "that's just enough out of you" are examples of aggressive verbal statements. In this scenario, the preceptor is neither nurturing the new nurse nor being passive. Assertive behavior is the ability to stand up for oneself and others using open, honest, and direct communication.

A client arrives at the emergency department after experiencing several black, tarry stools. The nurse will develop a cause and effect by: asking the client to provide a stool specimen for guaiac testing. determining if the client has any food or drug allergies. asking the client if he or she has recently taken ferrous sulfate (iron) or bismuth subsalicylate. insisting the client not eat or drink anything until further instructed.

asking the client if he or she has recently taken ferrous sulfate (iron) or bismuth subsalicylate. Sequencing is used to place events in a chronologic order or to investigate a possible cause-and-effect relationship between events. Nursing assessment is facilitated when events leading to a problem are placed in sequence. Asking for a stool specimen will only indicate the presence of blood. Determination of food or drug allergy does not suggest the cause of the black, tarry stools. This client should be n.p.o.; however, that does not inform the cause of the black, tarry stools. Both ferrous sulfate and bismuth subsalicylate can cause darkening of the stool and may be the causative agent.

A nurse is caring for a client admitted to the hospital for dehydration. The physical findings consistent with the diagnosis include: easy wrinkling of the skin and sunken eyes. slow heart rate and prolonged capillary refill. pallor and diaphoresis. cold intolerance and brittle nails.

easy wrinkling of the skin and sunken eyes. Most illnesses cause at least some alterations in general physical appearance. Observing for changes in appearance is an important nursing responsibility for detecting illness or evaluating the effectiveness of care and therapy. For example, a person with an insufficient intake of fluids has dry skin that wrinkles easily, eyes that might be sunken and dull in appearance, and poor muscle tone. On the other hand, the person in good health tends to radiate his healthy status through general appearance. Although prolonged capillary refill is consistent with dehydration, slow heart rate is not. Pallor may be associated with dehydration but diaphoresis is not associated with this condition. Cold intolerance and brittle nails are consistent physiologic changes seen in clients with hypothyroidism.

A nurse is preparing to provide discharge instructions to a postpartum client regarding infant care. Before beginning the education session, the nurse should: ask all visitors to leave the room. ask the client if she is able to read. eliminate as many distractions as possible. ask the client's partner to leave the room to allow the client to focus.

eliminate as many distractions as possible. Factors that distort the quality of a message can interfere with communication at any point in the process. These distractors might be from the television, or from pain or discomfort experienced by the client. Visitors may remain in the room as long as the mother agrees and they do not interfere with the education session. It may also be beneficial for others to learn the care in the event that they too will be caregivers for the infant. For this reason, it is best for the client's partner to remain in the room.

A nurse who is preparing to administer an injection to the client states, "This injection will not be painful." The nurse has used which communication technique? encouraging elaboration giving false reassurance giving information seeking clarification

giving false reassurance False reassurance means giving reassurance that is not based on the real situation. It is a way of minimizing the client's situation and violates the client's trust. Seeking clarification means helping the client put unclear thoughts or ideas into words. Giving information involves sharing accurate information about the client's health and well-being in a timely manner. Encouraging elaboration is a technique used to help the client describe more fully the concerns or problems being discussed. Reference:

A nurse communicating with a client states, "I will be changing your dressing, but we have plenty of time to talk first." She is already wearing sterile gloves and a mask and is busy working with her back to the client. The nurse is conveying a (an) congruent relationship. functional focus. therapeutic relationship. incongruent relationship.

incongruent relationship. What the nurse is communicating verbally and nonverbally are incongruent with each other. Even though the nurse is verbally saying that he or she has time to talk, the nurse's nonverbal actions demonstrate that he or she is ready to perform the procedure. In addition, the back turned to the client while speaking demonstrates closed communication.

A nurse is providing care to a 3-year-old child admitted with a diagnosis of infectious diarrhea. The nurse needs to insert an intravenous catheter in order to administer prescribed intravenous fluids. In an attempt to foster communication, the nurse should: provide both verbal and written information to the child. show the child the intravenous catheter and explain how it works. ask the child's parents to leave the room while the nurse and child talk. involve the child's stuffed animal in the educational session.

involve the child's stuffed animal in the educational session. Communication happens best when the environment facilitates an easy exchange of needed information. The environment most conducive to communication is one that is calm and nonthreatening. The goal is to minimize distractions and ensure privacy. The use of music, art, and interior decorations might help put the client at ease. A client with newly diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection will find it difficult to discuss sexual history or genital warts in an area that lacks privacy. A toddler might find it easier to communicate if a parent, favorite stuffed animal, or blanket is nearby. The parent should not be asked to leave the room and this may cause panic or anxiety in the child. A 3-year-old child will not be able to read written materials. Showing the child the catheter may frighten the child.

When communicating with clients nurses need to be very careful in their approach. This is particularly true when communicating using: written material. audio-visual material. demonstration. medical terminology.

medical terminology. Another filter is the particular language system into which the person is socialized. Nurses are socialized into health care or medical jargon. To effectively educate and communicate, the nurse should limit medical jargon.

During an annual performance review with an employee, the nurse manager does not maintain eye contact and seems concerned about the time and the next appointment. This use of communication is considered: nonverbal. verbal. clarifying. consistent.

nonverbal. Listening can be hampered by the listener's lack of interest in the topic, premature interpretation of the message, or preoccupation with practice. The nonverbal cues that accompany the message are essential aspects of verbal communication.

A nurse who has been caring for a client for the past few days is preparing the client for discharge and termination of the nurse-client relationship. Which activity would the nurse be carrying out? reviewing health changes developing solutions that are enacted attending to physical health care needs establishing trust and rapport

reviewing health changes During the termination phase of the nurse-client relationship, the nurse and the client review health changes and how the client has dealt with physical and emotional responses. During the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship, the nurse and client work toward establishing trust and rapport. During the working phase of the nurse-client relationship, the nurse attends to the physical health care needs and develops solutions that are acted upon by the client.

A nurse is caring for a client who suffered a spinal cord injury and has paraplegia. The client is frustrated, crying, and tells the nurse, "I just want to die." The nurse best displays empathy when she: says, "I can only imagine how hard this is on you. How can I help you?" says, "I am so sorry this happened to you." places a warm blanket over the client's legs. leaves the room quietly and silently.

says, "I can only imagine how hard this is on you. How can I help you?" Empathy is identifying with the way another person feels. An empathic nurse is sensitive to the client's feelings and problems, but remains objective enough to help the client work to attain positive outcomes. By retaining this quality, the nurse can establish successful helping relationships without appearing cold or stern. Sympathy differs from empathy because it shifts the emphasis from the client to the nurse as she shares feelings and personal concerns and projects them onto the client, limiting ability to focus objectively on the client's needs. Instead of leaving the room, the nurse should stay to communicate with the frustrated client. Placing a warm blanket over the client's legs covers the paralyzed legs and may upset the client more. Stating "I am sorry this happened to you" is an expression of sympathy, not empathy.

A nurse is at the end of a busy shift on a medical-surgical unit. The nurse enters a room to empty the client's urinary catheter and the client says, "I feel like you ignored me today." In response to the statement, the nurse should: smile at the client and apologize. ignore the statement and empty the urinary catheter. inform the client that the unit was very busy that day. sit at the bedside and allow the client to explain the statement.

sit at the bedside and allow the client to explain the statement. Clients may or may not feel able to speak freely to the nurse. Often, the signals indicating their readiness to talk are subtle. Don't miss valuable opportunities for important communication by approaching clients with a closed mind or focusing on your own needs rather than on the client's needs. Nurses who lack confidence in their own ability to meet the challenges a client presents might become defensive in response to a client's comments. Nurse defensiveness is a huge barrier to open and trusting communication. Smiling and apologizing and ignoring the client close lines of communication. Although the unit may have been busy, it is best to listen to the client express himself.

A nurse is attempting to calm an infant in the nursery. The nurse responds to the highest developed sense by: swaddling the child and gently stroking its head. staring into the neonate's eyes and smiling. softly humming a song near the neonate. offering the neonate infant formula.

swaddling the child and gently stroking its head. Touch is the most highly developed sense at birth. Tactile experiences of infants and young children appear essential for the normal development of self and awareness of others. It has also been found that many older people long for touch, especially when isolated from loved ones because of hospitalization or long-term care facility care. Vision, taste, and hearing are not as fully developed as touch in the neonate.