During a health history, the nurse should use therapeutic communication when asking about substance abuse. Which of the following is essential to establish a trusting nurse–patient relationship?
1. Informing the patient that substance abuse is a sin
2. Avoiding communicating disapproval of indicated substance abuse
3. Ensuring that the patient's mother and father are at the bedside
4. Avoiding shocked facial expressions
Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: The nurse should be nonjudgmental, but should firmly communicate disapproval of any indicated substance abuse. Informing the patient that substance abuse is a sin is being judgmental. Patients might be less likely to inform the nurse of a hidden substance abuse problem in the presence of family members.
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