Which nursing response is an example of the nontherapeutic communication block of requesting an explanation?

Which nursing response is an example of the nontherapeutic communication block of requesting an explanation?

     A. “Can you tell me why you said that?”

     B. “Keep your chin up. I’ll explain the procedure to you.”

     C. “There is always an explanation for both good and bad behaviors.”

     D. “Are you not understanding the explanation I provided?”

Correct Answer: A. “Can you tell me why you said that?”

This nursing statement is an example of the nontherapeutic communication block of requesting an explanation. Requesting an explanation is when the client is asked to provide the reason for thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and events. Asking “why” a client did something or feels a certain way can be very intimidating and implies that the client must defend his or her behavior or feelings.

Option B: Stereotyped comments refer to offering meaningless cliches or trite comments. Social conversations contain many cliches and much meaningless chit-chat. Such comments are of no value in the nurse-client relationship. Any automatic responses will lack the nurse’s consideration or thoughtfulness.

Option C: Attempts to dispel the client’s anxiety by implying that there is not sufficient reason for concern completely devalue the client’s feelings. Vague reassurances without accompanying facts are meaningless to the client.

Option D: Interpreting refers to making conscious that which is unconscious to the client. The client’s thoughts and feelings are his own, not to be interpreted by the nurse or for hidden meaning. Only the client can identify or confirm the presence of feelings.