Which is the best comment for a nurse to use when beginning an interview with an older adult patient?
a. "Hello, [call patient by first name]. I am going to ask you some questions to get to know you better."
b. "Hello. My name is [nurse's name]. I am a nurse. Please tell me how you would like to be addressed by the staff."
c. "I am going to ask you some questions about yourself. I would like to call you by your first name if you don't mind."
d. "You look as though you are comfortable and ready to participate in an admission interview. Shall we get started?"
ANS: B
This opening identifies the nurse's role and politely seeks direction for addressing the patient in a way that will make him or her comfortable. This is particularly important when a considerable age difference exists between the nurse and the patient. The nurse should address patients by name, but should not assume a patient wants to be called by his or her first name. The nurse should always introduce him- or herself.
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