A nurse is educating a patient about the side effects of a prescribed medication.

What role is the nurse playing in this scenario?

Choice A rationale
Focusing is a therapeutic communication technique where the nurse directs the conversation to specific areas or topics. In this scenario, the nurse is not focusing the conversation but is seeking to clarify the client’s understanding of their medication.
Choice B rationale
Clarification is a therapeutic communication technique where the nurse seeks to understand the client’s message more fully. In this scenario, the nurse is using clarification by stating that the client needs more information about their medication for safe use.
Choice C rationale
Informing is a therapeutic communication technique where the nurse provides the client with relevant information. While the nurse in this scenario is indicating a need to provide more information, the primary action is clarification.
Choice D rationale
Theme identification is a therapeutic communication technique where the nurse identifies recurring thoughts or feelings expressed by the client. In this scenario, the nurse is not identifying a recurring theme but is seeking to clarify the client’s understanding of their medication.

Choice A rationale
Flight of ideas is a symptom often seen in conditions like bipolar disorder, particularly during manic episodes. It involves a rapid shift in thoughts and ideas, often with loose or no associations between them. The statement “her car is gray, and her dog died last week” could be an example of this, as the two ideas are unrelated.
Choice B rationale
Verbigeration refers to the constant repetition of certain words or phrases. This is not demonstrated in the client’s statement.
Choice C rationale
Loose associations involve a disorganized thinking pattern where the person jumps from one topic to another that is seemingly unrelated. While the client’s statement might seem to have loose associations, it is more indicative of flight of ideas.
Choice D rationale
Circumstantiality involves excessive, unnecessary detail that delays getting to the point. The client’s statement is not an example of this, as it is brief and does not contain unnecessary details.