Therapeutic Comm Q 14
Which nursing statement is a good example of the therapeutic communication technique of focusing?
A. "Describe one of the best things that happened to you this week."
B. "I'm having a difficult time understanding what you mean."
C. "Your counseling session is in 30 minutes. I'll stay with you until then."
D. "You mentioned your relationship with your father. Let's discuss that further."
Correct Answer: D. “You mentioned your relationship with your father. Let’s discuss that further.”
This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of focusing. Focusing takes notice of a single idea or even a single word and works especially well with a client who is moving rapidly from one thought to another. The nurse encourages the client to concentrate his energies on a single point, which may prevent a multitude of factors or problems from overwhelming the client.
Option A: Theme identification refers to underlying issues or problems experienced by the client that emerge repeatedly during nurse-client relationship. It allows the nurse to best promote the client’s exploration and understanding of important problems.
Option B: Seeking information refers to seeking to make clear that which is not meaningful or that which is vague. The nurse should seek clarification throughout interactions with clients. Doing so can help the nurse to avoid making assumptions that understanding has occurred when it has not.
Option C: The nurse can offer his presence, interest, and desire to understand. It is important that this offer is unconditional, that is, the client does not have to respond verbally to get the nurse’s attention.