A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who lives in subsidized housing and is concerned about being able to afford their medications. Which of the following factors should the nurse identify is affecting the client's health?

A. Cultural factors include beliefs, values, and practices that influence a person’s health behaviors and decisions. While cultural considerations can impact healthcare access and adherence, this client's primary concern about medication affordability is not specifically rooted in cultural issues.
B. Environmental factors refer to external conditions that affect health, such as housing, pollution, and access to healthcare facilities. While living in subsidized housing may relate to the environment, the core issue here is not about environmental conditions but rather about financial resources and their impact on health.
C. Socioeconomic factors encompass an individual’s economic status, including income, education, and occupation. The client’s concern about affording medications is a clear indication of socioeconomic status affecting their health.
D. Health literacy involves the ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services. While health literacy can influence how effectively a person manages their health and navigates the healthcare system, the client's concern about medication costs is more about financial capability than their understanding of health information.

A. This is not a therapeutic communication technique. Passive responses can create barriers to communication and may lead to misunderstandings. They often convey a lack of interest or engagement, which is counterproductive in therapeutic settings.
B. This is a valuable therapeutic communication technique. Silence allows clients to reflect on their thoughts and feelings, giving them the space to express themselves without pressure. It can encourage deeper conversation and provide opportunities for the nurse to observe non-verbal cues.
C. Offering personal opinions is generally not considered a therapeutic communication technique. It can shift the focus away from the client and may inadvertently lead to judgment or bias. Instead,
therapeutic communication emphasizes listening and understanding the client’s perspective without imposing personal views.
D. While offering sympathy may seem caring, it can sometimes lead to a focus on the nurse's feelings rather than the client's experience. Sympathy may not promote empowerment or exploration of the client’s feelings as effectively as empathy, which involves understanding and validating the client's
emotions without imposing one’s own feelings.