When teaching a client how to administer insulin, the nurse recognizes that the best method of communicating therapeutically with the client is to

Question

a. talk to the client in the visitors' lounge.
b. talk to the client within his personal space.
c. communicate with the client using touch.
d. face the client while leaning slightly forward.

Answer 1

ANS: D
Privacy, space, and timing are other aspects to consider. Clients need privacy, to be free from interruption, and to have their space requirements respected to fully engage in meaningful conversations. Therapeutic conversations typically take place within a social distance (3-4 feet is optimal). Touch has contextual and cultural meanings. Women are more likely to welcome and use touch in communication. Touch is a valued form of communication in some cultures. In others, touch is reserved for religious purposes or is seldom used as a form of communication, for example in Asia. Before touching a client, assess the client's receptiveness to touch. Observing the client will provide some indication, but you may need to ask for validation. If the client is paranoid, out of touch with reality, verbally inappropriate, or mistrustful, touch is contraindicated as a listening response. Minimal physical cues (e.g., leaning towards the client, nodding, smiling) are used to accentuate words and to connect with people nonverbally as well as verbally.