A nurse is planning a presentation on health promotion activities for clients who have hypertension.
Which of the following should the nurse utilize as a resource for this information?

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging family members to call the client is a valuable emotional and social support, but it may not be as effective in reducing social isolation for a client at the end of life. While communication with loved ones is important, it may not fully address the client's need for personal interaction.

Choice C rationale:

Instructing the client to join an online support group can be a useful intervention to reduce social isolation, especially in cases where physical interaction is limited. However, it may not be as effective for all clients, as comfort with technology and online groups can vary. Additionally, it should be one of several strategies used to address social isolation.

Choice D rationale:

Asking the client's friends to text the client is a positive gesture, but it may not be as effective as scheduling home visits with the client. Text messages may not provide the same level of personal interaction and emotional support that physical visits can offer.

Choice B rationale:

Scheduling home visits with the client is the most effective intervention to reduce social isolation in a client at the end of life. It allows for in-person interaction, emotional support, and the opportunity to address the client's physical and emotional needs directly. Face-to-face contact can significantly improve the client's sense of connectedness and reduce feelings of isolation.

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.