A nurse is scheduling a client for surgery.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take to obtain precertification for the client to have surgery?

The correct answer is Choice B.

Choice A rationale: Advanced beginners are newly graduated nurses who rely on limited experience and follow guidelines strictly. They cannot yet mentor others effectively because they lack the necessary comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for precepting new staff members.

Choice B rationale: Proficient nurses have a deep understanding of clinical situations through experience. They can recognize patterns, predict outcomes, and provide effective mentorship as preceptors. They are skilled at guiding new staff members and improving their clinical performance.

Choice C rationale: Expert nurses possess an intuitive grasp of clinical situations and make decisions rapidly. While they are highly skilled, the role of preceptor is generally better suited to proficient nurses who are adept at breaking down complex tasks for new learners.

Choice D rationale: Competent nurses have a few years of practice and can plan and manage patient care efficiently. However, they are not yet at the stage where they can fluidly adapt to varying situations or mentor new staff as effectively as proficient nurses.

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.