The nurse preceptor is instructing the new nurse on appropriate communication techniques. The new nurse indicates a need for further teaching on using assertive communication, if she does which of the following when communicating with patients? Select one answer

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.

Choice A reason: This is correct because it shows that the nurse is engaged and focused on the patient. Leaning slightly forward indicates that the nurse is listening and caring.

Choice B reason: This is correct because it shows that the nurse is open and receptive to the patient’s feelings and concerns. An open posture means that the nurse does not cross arms or legs, which can be seen as defensive or closed.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because it shows that the nurse is distant and distracted from the patient. Standing at the doorway implies that the nurse is ready to leave or has other priorities. Reading the chart while smiling may seem insincere or superficial.

Choice D reason: This is correct because it shows that the nurse is respectful and atentive to the patient. Sitting at the bedside and facing the patient indicates that the nurse is giving eye contact and acknowledging the patient’s

presence.