Barriers to therapeutic communication include probing, giving advice and
A.
Providing false reassurance
B.
Use of open-ended questions
C.
Active listening
D.
Silence
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Providing false reassurance.
Explanation:
Therapeutic communication is a crucial component of effective nursing care and involves techniques that facilitate understanding and support between the nurse and the patient. However, certain barriers can undermine the effectiveness of this communication. Among these barriers are probing, giving advice, and providing false reassurance.
1. Probing:
Probing involves asking excessive or intrusive questions, which can make patients feel uncomfortable or defensive. While the intention may be to gather more information, probing can violate the patient’s privacy and hinder open communication.
2. Giving Advice:
When healthcare professionals offer unsolicited advice, it can come across as judgmental or dismissive of the patient’s feelings and experiences. Instead of supporting the patient, giving advice can make them feel invalidated and less likely to share their concerns.
3. Providing False Reassurance:
Providing false reassurance involves making statements that downplay or minimize the patient’s concerns, often without understanding the full scope of their situation. For example, saying, “Everything will be fine,” when a patient is expressing genuine fear or anxiety, can be detrimental. This approach fails to acknowledge the patient’s feelings and can lead to a lack of trust. Instead of offering comfort, false reassurance can create a sense of isolation or frustration, as the patient feels that their concerns are not being genuinely addressed.
4. Use of Open-Ended Questions:
Open-ended questions are actually a technique that facilitates therapeutic communication rather than a barrier. They encourage patients to express themselves more fully, providing richer information and fostering a more collaborative interaction. For example, asking, “How are you feeling about your treatment plan?” invites a more detailed response compared to a closed-ended question.
5. Active Listening:
Active listening is a core component of therapeutic communication. It involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the patient is saying. It helps build trust and rapport and allows the patient to feel heard and valued.
6. Silence:
Silence, when used appropriately, can be a powerful tool in therapeutic communication. It provides space for the patient to reflect and formulate their thoughts, which can lead to more meaningful dialogue.
In summary, barriers such as probing, giving advice, and providing false reassurance can significantly impact the quality of therapeutic communication. Understanding and avoiding these barriers helps in building a trusting and effective nurse-patient relationship.