A patient begins describing fear about a possible diagnosis. The nurse immediately asks whether the patient has eaten lunch. Which communication barrier is shown?
Correct answer: B. Changing the subject
- A. Clarification
- B. Changing the subject
- C. Reflection
- D. Offering self
Explanation
Changing the subject moves attention away from the patient’s expressed concern before it has been explored. Reflection or clarification would keep the conversation focused on the patient’s fear.
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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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