Which nursing action is an example of therapeutic communication?

• A. Allow client to verbalize feelings
• B. Discuss client's appearance and daily activities
• C. Inform client of medication times
• D. Point out misfortunes of other people

Answer: (A)

Therapeutic communication centers on inviting and supporting the patient to share feelings, using attentive listening, empathy, and validation. Allowing the client to verbalize feelings demonstrates this by providing a nonjudgmental space for expression, listening actively, and reflecting the patient’s emotions back to them. This helps the patient feel understood, reduces anxiety, and builds trust, which is essential for effective care planning and support.

The other actions are more task- or information-oriented or judgmental rather than focused on emotional expression: discussing appearance and daily activities centers on external observations; informing about medication times conveys routine information without addressing feelings; pointing out misfortunes of others is inappropriate and undermines trust and empathy.