Review the following client clinical scenarios. Match each situation with the most appropriate therapeutic communication technique the practical nurse should utilize to foster a therapeutic relationship.
- A client who received a poor prognosis stops talking, looks down at their hands, and appears overwhelmed with emotion.Sitting in silence: Remaining quietly present to allow the client time to collect their thoughts.
- A client rapidly lists fears about anesthesia, the surgeon's competence, recovery time, and the hospital bill all at once.Focusing: Directing the conversation to a single, critical topic to reduce feeling overwhelmed.
- A client recovering from a severe stroke states, 'I cannot even hold a spoon. What is the point of trying anymore?'Verbalizing the implied: Putting into words the underlying feelings of hopelessness the client hinted at.
- A client angrily states, 'The nurses on the night shift are completely incompetent and ignored my needs!'Encouraging description of perceptions: Asking the client to share specific details of their view of the situation.
Answer
The client overwhelmed with emotion matches with Sitting in silence. The client with rapid-fire fears matches with Focusing. The client despairing over the stroke matches with Verbalizing the implied. The angry client matches with Encouraging description of perceptions.
Each matched pair correctly identifies a therapeutic communication technique tailored to the specific client presentation. Sitting in silence supports emotional processing. Focusing reduces anxiety from multiple stressors. Verbalizing the implied acknowledges hidden emotional pain. Encouraging a description of perceptions explores angry complaints therapeutically.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Selecting the most appropriate therapeutic communication technique requires assessing the client's current emotional state and specific communicative needs.