Question

The nurse approaches a 33 year old male client who was admitted several days ago to the psychiatric inpatient unit with a diagnosis of severe depression. The nurse smiles and says, "Hi, Doug. My name is Becca. I'm the evening nurse." She sits down in a chair near him. The nurse compliments the client on how he's looking and asks, "How are you feeling today?” The client leans away, maintains a slumped posture, avoids eye contact and shakes his head. The nurse leans back in her chair and sits with the client in silence. After several minutes of silence, she crosses her arms and tells the client that she has about 20 minutes she can spend with the him, and asks "Would you like to talk? Or would you like me to just sit here quietly with you?" Doug shrugs but says nothing. After another 5 minutes, the nurse stands up and says to the client, "Well, you let me know if you change your mind, Doug. I'll be here until 11." The client continues to look down. The nurse smiles and says, "I'll check in on you later" and goes back to the nurse's station. Approach this scene as if you are a detective, looking for important clues. Take note of everything that happened. Think about how the client might have felt at each moment of this interaction. And, like all good detectives, make some notes to yourself.

Now you're ready to answer the questions below.

1.Identify what verbal and nonverbal actions by the nurse supported or enhanced therapeutic communication.

2. Identify what verbal and nonverbal actions by the nurse might have blocked therapeutic communication.

3.How might you interpret the client’s body language and silence during this first meeting?

4. What do you think would have made this a more therapeutic conversation?

5. What do you think about the nurse disengaging before twenty minutes? What do you think the nurse was feeling? What do you think the client was feeling?

Answer 1

Answer: The nurse asked the patient regarding the condition the patient is feeling as well as compliment the patient. This might have bring a positive vibes in the patient. Sitting next to the patient has given a little comfort to the patient to interact with and the patient can easily discuss his problem. The nodding of head of the nurse and smiling towards patient has brought positivity.

The nurse afterwards said that she can spend 20 minutes with the client and she kept silence for a while and didn't ask any further questions or shows any gestures which might have blocked the therapeutic communication.

The client seems to be not interested in talking or having any kind of communication or might be he is uncomfortable or having any kind of problem.

The nurse should interact the client and should talk about other positive things regarding life and the treatment that is being given to the patient. This will enhnace the outcomes and bring out patient's feeling. The patient can feel comfortable and can discuss his problem with the nurse.