A nurse is telling a new mother from Africa that she shouldn't carry her baby in a sling created from a large rectangular cloth.

The African woman tells the nurse that everyone in Mozambique carries babies this way.

The nurse believes that bassinets are safer for infants. What is this scenario an example of?

Accepting pauses or silences that may extend for some time without interjecting a verbal response is considered therapeutic communication12.

Therapeutic communication is a collection of techniques that prioritize the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of patients1.

Deliberate silence can give both nurses and patients an opportunity to think through and process what comes next in the conversation1.

Choice A is not correct because accepting pauses or silences is not considered rude behavior.

Choice B is not correct because accepting pauses or silences is not considered a barrier to communication.

Choice D is not correct because accepting pauses or silences is not considered a form of verbal communication.

Remaining attentive but silent is an appropriate response by the nurse.

This allows the client to express their feelings and concerns without interruption or judgment.

It also shows the client that the nurse is actively listening and interested in what they have to say.

Choice A is not an appropriate response because placing a client on a 72-hour hold should only be done if the client is a danger to themselves or others.

Choice C is not an appropriate response because leaving the room immediately would be unprofessional and could make the client feel abandoned.

Choice D is not an appropriate response because telling the client that everything will be fine may not be true and could give false hope.