A nurse is caring for a client who has hearing loss. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote communication?

The correct answer is choice D. “I’ll think about my grandfather’s farm to reduce pain.” This statement indicates an understanding of guided imagery, which is a relaxation technique that aims to help lower the levels of stress hormones and pain perception by imagining a scene that involves each of the senses and positive emotions.

Guided imagery can help to distract from pain signals and reduce anxiety, which can also contribute to pain.

Choice A is wrong because it does not involve creating a specific imagined reality, but rather noticing the sensation of muscle tension, which may increase awareness of pain.

Choice B is wrong because it does not involve using all of the senses and emotions, but rather listening to music, which may be relaxing but not as effective as guided imagery for pain relief.

Choice C is wrong because it does not involve imagining a scene, but rather using focused breathing to control pain, which is another relaxation technique but not guided imagery.

This action will help the client hear the nurse better by reducing competing sounds.

The nurse should also face the client when speaking, use short phrases, and communicate using paper and pen if needed.

Choice A is wrong because using short phrases alone is not enough to promote communication with a client who has hearing loss.

The nurse should also use other strategies such as decreasing background noise and facing the client when speaking.

Choice C is wrong because speaking in a loud voice can distort the sound and make it harder for the client to understand.

The nurse should speak clearly, slowly, and distinctly, but not shout.

Choice D is wrong because talking at a rapid rate can make it difficult for the client to follow the conversation.

The nurse should speak at a normal pace and pause between sentences.