The nurse asks the patient, What was it like for you when you first knew you had no place to go? The patient looks down and pauses for quite some time. Which action by the nurse is most therapeutic?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Silence or long pauses in communication may indicate many different things. The client may be depressed and struggling to find the energy to talk. Sometimes pauses indicate the client is thoughtfully considering the question before responding. At times, the client may seem to be lost in his or her own thoughts and not paying attention to the nurse. It is important to allow the client sufficient time to respond, even if it seems like a long time.

The Nurse Asks the Patient, What Was It Like for You