Personality and Mood Disorders Q 53

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One morning the nurse sees the client in a depressed mood. The nurse asks her “What are you thinking about?” This communication technique is:

  

     A. Focusing

     B. Validating

     C. Reflecting

     D. Giving broad opening

    

    

Correct Answer: D. Giving broad opening

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Broad opening technique allows the client to take the initiative in introducing the topic. Therapeutic communication is often most effective when patients direct the flow of conversation and decide what to talk about. To that end, giving patients a broad opening such as “What’s on your mind today?” or “What would you like to talk about?” can be a good way to allow patients an opportunity to discuss what’s on their mind.

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Option A: Sometimes during a conversation, patients mention something particularly important. When this happens, nurses can focus on their statement, prompting patients to discuss it further. Patients don’t always have an objective perspective on what is relevant to their case; as impartial observers, nurses can more easily pick out the topics to focus on.

Option B: Validation is an empathetic method of communicating and helping disoriented adults. Validation techniques can: Help disoriented elderly to express what they wish to express whether it is verbal or nonverbal communication. Help the person express suppressed feelings.

Option C: Patients often ask nurses for advice about what they should do about particular problems or in specific situations. Nurses can ask patients what they think they should do, which encourages patients to be accountable for their own actions and helps them come up with solutions themselves.

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