The patient asks, What is an IVAC thermometer? The nurse replies, ...

[erika]

The patient asks, What is an IVAC thermometer? The nurse replies, It is a heat-sensitive probe inserted into the sublingual area or rectal orifice.
 
  Heat transmission proceeds via an electrical system to a control center that interprets the temperature and displays it. This reply can be analyzed as
 
  a. one-way communication.
  b. active listening.
  c. unnecessary use of jargon.
  d. displaying sensitivity.

Question 2

A patient states, This is my fourth miscarriage. A response by the nurse that demonstrates active listening would be
 
  a. Having another miscarriage must be hard to accept.
  b. This is nature's way. You can be glad it happened.
  c. How lucky to have lost the baby so early in your pregnancy.
  d. I've had two miscarriages, so I know how you must feel.

[frogdreck123456]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
This explanation is unnecessarily scientific and uses nursing jargon when a simple answer would suffice. The communication described is two-way. Active listening involves responding therapeutically rather than in a confusing manner. The nurse's response displays insensitivity.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Reflection is a strategy that is useful in active listening. The statement, Having another miscarriage must be hard to accept is an example of reflection, or putting into words the affective communication received from the patient. The statements, This is nature's way. You can be glad it happened and How lucky to have lost the baby so early in your pregnancy are insensitive and do not suggest active listening. The statement, I've had two miscarriages, so I know how you must feel is nurse centered, and therefore not an example of active listening.