A patient becomes silent after discussing the death of a spouse. What is the most therapeutic nursing action?
Correct answer: B. Remain quietly present and allow time for the patient to respond.
- A. Ask several questions to keep the conversation moving.
- B. Remain quietly present and allow time for the patient to respond.
- C. Tell the patient that grieving will become easier soon.
- D. Change the subject to the patient's discharge arrangements.
Explanation
Purposeful silence gives the patient time to organise thoughts and express painful feelings while the nurse remains supportive. Pressuring the patient, offering reassurance, or changing the subject can interrupt the grieving process.
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About Therapeutic Communication
Therapeutic communication covers active listening, empathy, clarification, reflection, silence, open-ended questioning, and purposeful responses that help patients express thoughts and feelings. It distinguishes therapeutic techniques from barriers such as false reassurance, advice-giving, judgment, changing the subject, probing, and asking repeated or closed questions.
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