A client who has a femur fracture states, "I can't stay in this bed any longer. I need to get home so I can take care of my family." The nurse responds, "You have talked about your family several times. Can you tell me more about your specific concerns?" Which type of therapeutic communication response is the nurse using?

A. Offering approval or disapproval
Offering approval or disapproval can create a judgmental atmosphere and hinder open communication. Therapeutic communication focuses on understanding and supporting the patient without expressing judgment.

B. Asking for explanations
Asking for explanations can sometimes come across as interrogative or demanding. While it is important to understand patient concerns, therapeutic communication should be focused on exploring feelings and experiences rather than demanding explanations.

C. Asking open-ended questions
Open-ended questions encourage patients to share more about their thoughts and feelings, facilitating deeper and more meaningful conversations. This technique helps patients express themselves more freely and promotes effective therapeutic communication.

D. Offering sympathy
Offering sympathy, rather than empathy, can distance the nurse from the patient and may not address the patient’s needs as effectively. Therapeutic communication should focus on empathy, where the nurse understands and acknowledges the patient's feelings without feeling sorry for them.

A. Client's hearing deficit
Effective communication relies on the ability to hear and understand spoken messages. The client's hearing deficit impedes this process, making it difficult for the nurse to convey important information or assess the client’s needs.
B. Volume of the client's television
High TV volume can distract the client and make it hard for them to focus on or hear the nurse’s questions or instructions, thus impeding effective communication.
C. Numerous visitors in the client's room
The presence of visitors might affect communication, but based on the provided notes, it is not specifically identified as a current barrier.
D. Increase in pain after ambulation
Pain is a concern but does not directly interfere with the process of communication as long as it is managed appropriately.
E. Adverse effects of opioid analgesic
The client’s report of feeling “very sleepy” indicates that the opioid analgesic may be affecting their alertness and responsiveness, thus impeding effective communication.

F. Using earphones while listening to music
Earphones block out external sounds, including the nurse’s attempts to communicate, making it difficult for the client to hear or engage in a conversation.