When therapeutically communicating with a client who has just found ou

QUESTION

When therapeutically communicating with a client who has just found out he is HIV- positive, the nurse should focus on

a. professional needs.
b. an unlimited time frame for communication.
c. verbal communication only between the client and the nurse.
d. achieving identified health-related goals.

ANSWER:

ANS: D
Therapeutic communication is defined as a dynamic interactive process consisting of words and actions and entered into by a clinician and client for the purpose of achieving identified health-related goals. Originally conceptualized by Jurgen Ruesch in 1961, communication skills are essential drivers for developing therapeutic relationships and facilitating interdisciplinary collaborative communication with clients and families. Fundamental forms of health communication include verbal and written words and nonverbal communicative behaviors.