Psychosocial Integrity

Open-ended questions cannot be answered with a simple yes or no, so they invite the client to describe thoughts and feelings in their own words and to lead the discussion. Closed questions are reserved for gathering specific facts (for example, 'Do you have a plan to hurt yourself?').

'You feel angry that your family hasn't come.' Reflection directs the client's feelings back to them, showing the nurse is listening and encouraging the client to explore the emotion further.

Silence gives the client time to organize thoughts and decide what to share, and it conveys the nurse's attentive presence without pressure. The nurse remains engaged (eye contact, open posture) rather than filling pauses with chatter.

It is false reassurance: the nurse cannot guarantee the outcome, and the response dismisses the client's fear and closes the conversation. A therapeutic response acknowledges and explores the feeling: 'You're worried about the anesthesia. Tell me more.'

'Why' questions demand a justification, can sound accusatory, and put the client on the defensive. Rephrasing as 'Tell me what happened when you stopped the medication' or 'What led to that?' invites explanation without judgment.

Projection: attributing one's own unacceptable feelings or impulses to someone else. The nurse avoids arguing and gently helps the client identify and own the feelings.