Which nurse response best uses purposeful silence during a difficult conversation?
Correct answer: A. Remain quietly present while allowing the patient time to respond.
- A. Remain quietly present while allowing the patient time to respond.
- B. Leave the room so the patient can think alone.
- C. Interrupt quickly to prevent an uncomfortable pause.
- D. Start a new topic whenever the patient stops speaking.
Explanation
Purposeful silence gives the patient time to organise thoughts and feelings while the nurse remains supportive and available. Leaving, interrupting, or changing the topic can communicate discomfort or lack of interest.
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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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