Although the client denies pain, the Practical Nurse (PN) observes the client is breathing rapidly with clenched fists and is grimacing. The PN’s best response to his observations would be: * Select one answer

Choice A reason: “Where do you hurt?” is not the best response to the PN’s observations. This response shows closed-ended questioning, which is a communication technique that involves asking questions that require a yes or no answer or a specific piece of information. It also shows confrontation, which is a communication technique that involves challenging or opposing the other person’s statements or behaviors. It may make the client feel defensive, pressured, or misunderstood, and may discourage further communication. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: "I am glad you are feeling beter and have no discomfort.” is not the best response to the PN’s observations. This response shows false reassurance, which is a communication technique that involves minimizing or dismissing the other person’s feelings or situation. It also shows inconsistency, which is a communication barrier that involves giving contradictory or conflicting messages. It may make the client feel confused, ignored, or invalidated, and may undermine the trust or rapport between the client and the PN. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C reason: "What you are saying and what I am observing don’t seem to match.” is the best response to the PN’s observations. This response shows reflection, which is a communication technique that involves restating or paraphrasing what the client has said to show understanding and clarify meaning. It also shows congruence, which is a communication skill that involves using consistent verbal and nonverbal cues to reinforce the message and avoid confusion or misunderstanding. It helps the client to recognize and explore their own feelings or thoughts, and shows that the PN is atentive, respectful, and empathetic. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice D reason: "It makes me uncomfortable when you are not honest with me.” is not the best response to the PN’s observations. This response shows self-disclosure, which is a communication technique that involves sharing personal information or feelings with the other person. It also shows accusation, which is a communication barrier that involves blaming or criticizing the other person for their statements or behaviors. It may make the client feel

guilty, ashamed, or angry, and may damage the relationship or communication between the client and the PN. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice A reason: "Alcoholism is a disease that affects the whole family.” is not the best response to the client’s husband. This response shows generalization, which is a communication technique that involves using statements that apply to most people in similar situations. It also shows lecturing, which is a communication barrier that involves giving unsolicited advice or information to the other person. It may make the client’s husband feel stereotyped, judged, or patronized, and may discourage further communication. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: "You sound frustrated in dealing with your wife’s drinking problem.” is the best response to the client’s husband. This response shows active listening, which is a communication skill that involves hearing, understanding, and responding to the client’s verbal and nonverbal messages. It also shows empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It acknowledges and validates the client’s husband’s emotions, and invites him to express his concerns or fears. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C reason: "I think you are a good person to stay here with your wife.” is not the best response to the client’s husband. This response shows praise, which is a communication technique that involves giving positive feedback or recognition to the other person. It also shows assumption, which is a communication barrier that involves making judgments or guesses about what the other person thinks or feels. It may make the client’s husband feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or pressured, and may not address his underlying feelings or needs. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: “Have you discussed this subject at the support group meetings?” is not the best response to the client’s husband. This response shows closed-ended questioning, which is a communication technique that involves asking questions that require a yes or no answer or a specific piece of information. It also shows probing, which is a communication barrier that involves asking too many or inappropriate questions to the other person. It may make the client’s husband feel defensive, invaded, or resentful, and may violate his privacy or confidentiality. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.