The nurse is educating a patient with phlebitis of the left leg.

What alternative therapy should this patient avoid until the condition is resolved?.

a. Using medical jargon

• Rationale: Medical jargon can be precise and efficient for communication among healthcare professionals. However, it can be confusing and intimidating for patients or non-medical staff, which is not therapeutic.

b. Active listening

• Rationale: Active listening involves fully focusing, understanding, responding and then remembering what is being said. It is a fundamental component of therapeutic communication as it shows respect and understanding for the speaker, builds trust, and helps to facilitate a deeper understanding of a patient’s perspective and needs.

c. Giving advice

• Rationale: While it might seem helpful to give advice, it can often disempower the patient or make them feel like they are not being heard. Therapeutic communication should be patient-centered and empowering.

d. Using closed-ended questions

• Rationale: Closed-ended questions can be useful for gathering specific information quickly. However, they limit the depth of response and can shut down communication, making them less therapeutic.

The correct answer isb. Active listening. This technique is a key component of therapeutic communication as it encourages a deeper understanding and is respectful and patient-centered. It helps in building a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship.

Answer and explanation

The correct answer is choice B.

Choice A rationale:

Yoga involves gentle stretching and may not directly impact the phlebitis.

Choice B rationale:

Therapeutic massage could potentially dislodge a clot in the leg, leading to a dangerous condition called a pulmonary embolism.

Choice C rationale:

Acupressure, like yoga, involves gentle pressure and may not directly impact the phlebitis.

Choice D rationale:

Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles and could potentially cause harm, but it is less likely to dislodge a clot than massage.