Answer to Question 1
ANS: C
In the past, nurses had more time with clients. Today nurses must make every second count. Nurses and clients need to select the most pressing health care needs for attention. The nurse should focus on what is essential to know, rather than what might be nice to know. This requires planning and sensitivity to client needs and preferences. Client readiness and capabilities are other factors to take into consideration in selecting content. Unless it is an emergency situation, the nurse can guide but not insist on a particular point of discussion.
Answer to Question 2
ANS: D
Privacy, space, and timing are other aspects to consider. Clients need privacy, to be free from interruption, and to have their space requirements respected to fully engage in meaningful conversations. Therapeutic conversations typically take place within a social distance (3-4 feet is optimal). Touch has contextual and cultural meanings. Women are more likely to welcome and use touch in communication. Touch is a valued form of communication in some cultures. In others, touch is reserved for religious purposes or is seldom used as a form of communication, for example in Asia. Before touching a client, assess the client's receptiveness to touch. Observing the client will provide some indication, but you may need to ask for validation. If the client is paranoid, out of touch with reality, verbally inappropriate, or mistrustful, touch is contraindicated as a listening response. Minimal physical cues (e.g., leaning towards the client, nodding, smiling) are used to accentuate words and to connect with people nonverbally as well as verbally.