A client of the Islamic faith refuses to eat a hot dog on his tray because he is afraid that it may contain pork products. Which of the following is the best response by the Practical Nurse (PN)?

Choice A reason: Speaks in a normal tone is an approach that can best facilitate communication with a client who is hearing-impaired. Speaking in a normal tone can help the client to hear the natural variations and inflections of the voice, and to avoid distortion or confusion. Speaking in a high-pitched or low-pitched tone can make the voice harder to hear or understand, especially if the client has a hearing loss in a specific frequency range. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice B reason: Speaks frequently is not an approach that can best facilitate communication with a client who is hearing-impaired. Speaking frequently can overwhelm or fatigue the client, and reduce their ability to process or retain the information. Speaking frequently can also interrupt the client’s thoughts or responses, and prevent them from expressing their needs or concerns. Speaking clearly and concisely, and allowing pauses or breaks, can enhance communication with a client who is hearing-impaired. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C reason: Speaks directly into the unaffected ear is not an approach that can best facilitate communication with a client who is hearing-impaired. Speaking directly into the unaffected ear can create an uncomfortable or unnatural position for the client and the nurse, and interfere with eye contact or facial expressions. Speaking directly into the unaffected ear can also create a loud or distorted sound that may be unpleasant or painful for the client.

Speaking face-to-face, and slightly toward the unaffected ear, can improve communication with a client who is hearing-impaired. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Speaks in a normal volume is an approach that can best facilitate communication with a client who is hearing-impaired. Speaking in a normal volume can help the client to hear the voice without difficulty or strain, and to avoid embarrassment or irritation. Speaking in a loud volume can make the voice harder to hear or understand, as it can cause background noise, echo, or feedback. Speaking in a loud volume can also imply shouting or anger, which can be disrespectful or offensive to the client. Therefore, this choice is correct.

D) “I understand that you would like some ice cream, but I need you to be more respectful when you ask me for something.” This is an assertive response because it acknowledges the patient’s request, expresses the nurse’s feelings, and sets a clear boundary for acceptable behavior. Assertiveness is the ability to communicate one’s needs, opinions, and feelings in a respectful and confident manner.

“You are hungry and want a snack. I can do that in 10 minutes when I finish my rounds.” is incorrect. This is a passive response because it does not address the patient’s rudeness or assert the nurse’s rights. Passive communication is the tendency to avoid conflict, suppress one’s feelings, and comply with others’ demands.

“Maybe I can get one of the aides to bring you something in a while.” is incorrect. This is an evasive response because it does not commit to fulfilling the patient’s request or confronting the patient’s attitude. Evasive communication is the tendency to avoid responsibility, give vague answers, and shift blame to others.

“Call the nursing station and ask them to have the kitchen bring whatever you want.” is incorrect. This is an aggressive response because it rejects the patient’s request, shows irritation, and implies that the nurse does not care about the patient’s needs. Aggressive communication is the tendency to dominate, criticize, and blame others.