The nurse notices that a group member is quiet during support group meetings. What is the best intervention by the nurse for involving the quiet group member in the group process?

Question

a. Ask the group if they have noticed that a group member never talks.
b. Ask the group what can be done to involve the quiet group member more.
c. Set up a private meeting with the quiet group member to discuss group participation.
d. Ask the quiet group member if he or she would like to comment on what another group member has just said.

Answer 1

ANS: D
Group participation on an equal basis should be a group expectation. Although the level of participation is never quite equal, discussion groups in which only a few members actively participate are disheartening to group members and limited in learning potential. Because the primary purpose of a discussion group is to promote the learning of all group members, other members are charged with the responsibility of encouraging the participation of more silent members. Sometimes, when more verbal participants keep quiet, the more reticent group member begins to speak.