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: This is correct because it shows that the nurse is respectful and sensitive to the client’s language and cultural needs. Speaking slowly and providing examples can help the client comprehend and retain the information.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because it shows that the nurse is overwhelming and insensitive to the client’s language and cultural needs. Giving too much information or using complex terms can confuse and frustrate the client.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because it shows that the nurse is assuming and delegating the responsibility of communication to someone else. Getting an interpreter or a family member may not be necessary or appropriate if the client speaks English. The nurse should communicate directly with the client as much as possible.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because it shows that the nurse is rude and disrespectful to the client’s language and cultural needs. Speaking quickly and avoiding eye contact can make the client feel ignored or intimidated. The nurse should maintain eye contact and speak at a normal pace.

Choice A reason: Symptoms are subjective data that are reported by the client, such as pain, nausea, or fatigue. They are not observable or measurable by the nurse, and they may vary depending on the client’s perception or expression. The data that the PN discovered are not symptoms, but objective data that are observed or measured by the nurse, such as skin condition, oral mucus membranes, and temperature. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: Urinary retention is a condition in which the client is unable to empty the bladder completely or at all. It can cause symptoms such as difficulty or pain in urinating, frequent or urgent urination, or abdominal distension. It can also lead to complications such as infection, kidney damage, or bladder rupture. The data that the PN discovered are not related to urinary retention, but to dehydration or fever. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C reason: Signs of fluid overload are objective data that indicate excess fluid in the body, such as edema, weight gain, crackles in the lungs, or elevated blood pressure. They can result from conditions such as heart failure,

kidney failure, or liver cirrhosis. The data that the PN discovered are not signs of fluid overload, but signs of fluid deficit or heat stroke. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Data clustering is a process of grouping related data together to form a meaningful patern that can support a nursing diagnosis. It can help the nurse to identify the client’s problems, needs, or risks, and to prioritize and plan interventions accordingly. The data that the PN discovered are an example of data clustering, as they represent a patern of signs that indicate a possible problem such as dehydration or fever. Therefore, this choice is correct.