Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) PN-RN Practice Test

What can the nurse do to help facilitate better communication with a patient exhibiting anxiety?

1. Speak loudly

2. Maintain silence

3. Use direct eye contact

4. Provide detailed explanations

The correct answer is: Provide detailed explanations

Providing detailed explanations is an effective way to facilitate better communication with a patient experiencing anxiety. When patients are anxious, they may have difficulty processing information and can feel overwhelmed. By offering clear and comprehensive explanations, nurses can help demystify the situation and provide reassurance. This clarity can guide the patient in understanding their condition, the procedures they may undergo, and the rationale behind specific interventions. Furthermore, detailed explanations can address the patient's fears and uncertainties, which are often sources of anxiety. By breaking down complex information into understandable segments, nurses enable patients to engage more fully in their care, fostering a sense of control and empowerment. This approach reinforces the therapeutic relationship and helps build trust, making patients feel more supported during their difficult moments. In contrast, other approaches like speaking loudly may not address the emotional state of the patient and could even escalate feelings of anxiety. Maintaining silence might also lead to misinterpretations or assumptions that can heighten a patient’s anxiety, while using direct eye contact, although important in some situations, can sometimes be perceived as confrontational depending on the individual’s comfort level. Detailed explanations, therefore, play a crucial role in alleviating anxiety and facilitating effective communication.