Final answer:
In therapeutic communication, the nurse can use silence to provide the patient space to think and express themselves. This contributes to a therapeutic environment by showing respect for the patient's pacing and needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
In therapeutic communication, the mode that a nurse can appropriately use to wait for the patient to initiate or continue speaking is d) Silence. It allows the patient time to think and organize thoughts, which can be especially important in a healthcare setting where patients may be processing complex emotions or information. By maintaining silence, the nurse shows respect for the patient's pace and provides space for the expression of feelings and thoughts without the pressure to fill the silence with conversation, thus supporting a therapeutic environment.