Question

Which technique is the most important therapeutic tool a nurse should use to provide quality care to a psychiatric client?

a) Medication administration
b) Active listening
c) Physical restraint
d) Isolation

Answer 1

Active listening is the most important therapeutic tool for nurses providing quality care to psychiatric clients, as it is essential for understanding patient needs and building a therapeutic relationship.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important therapeutic tool a nurse should use to provide quality care to a psychiatric client is b) Active listening. While other options such as medication administration, physical restraint, and isolation may be necessary at times, active listening is fundamental to understanding the unique needs and concerns of the patient. It also helps in building a therapeutic relationship, which is crucial for effective psychiatric care. Medication, including blood pressure medication, various classes of antipsychotics, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can be integral to treatment but neither should eclipse the need for empathetic patient interaction. Other treatments like psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, and deep-brain stimulation can also be significant, depending on the case. Active listening facilitates a holistic approach, combining these treatments with a compassionate understanding of each patient's experience.