A nurse is preparing an educational session about The Joint Commission (TJC). Which of the following information should the nurse include?

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.

Choice A rationale:

Assessment Assessment is the first step of the nursing process, where the nurse collects data about the patient's condition. While this step is crucial for understanding the patient's needs, it does not involve formulating goals for a positive outcome. Therefore, it is not the correct choice in this context.

Choice B rationale:

Planning Planning is the step of the nursing process where the nurse formulates goals and develops a care plan to achieve those goals. This includes setting objectives for the patient's care and determining the best course of action. In this case, the nurse is formulating goals for a positive outcome, making choice B the correct answer.

Choice C rationale:

Evaluation Evaluation is the step where the nurse assesses the patient's response to the care provided and determines whether the goals have been met. While important, it does not involve the initial formulation of goals, so it is not the correct choice for this question.

Choice D rationale:

Implementation Implementation involves carrying out the plan of care, putting the planned interventions into action. It doesn't focus on goal formulation, so it is not the correct answer in this context.