Question

Members of some cultural groups tend to speak more loudly when they are excited, with great emotion and with vigorous and animated gestures. This is true whether their excitement is due to positive or negative events. It is important for the nurse to avoid rushing to judgment regarding a person's intent when the patient is speaking, especially in a language not understood by the nurse. Instead, the nurse should withhold an interpretation of what has been expressed until it is possible to clarify the patient's intent. To conclude that the patient is disturbed would be a rushed judgment as the nurse should rule out other options first. Manic patients switch between extremely happy and extremely depressed states. A depressed patient is unlikely to speak loudly and animatedly. What should the nurse do when a patient speaks loudly and animatedly?

1) Assume that the patient is disturbed
2) Ask the patient to speak more quietly
3) Withhold judgment and seek clarification
4) Conclude that the patient is manic

Answer 1

When a patient speaks loudly and animatedly, the nurse should withhold judgment and seek clarification, ruling out other options first.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient speaks loudly and animatedly, the nurse should withhold judgment and seek clarification. Assuming that the patient is disturbed or concluding that the patient is manic would be rushed judgments. It is important for the nurse to avoid rushing to judgment regarding the patient's intent and to rule out other options first. Understanding cultural differences and individual variations in communication styles is crucial for effective communication in healthcare.