A nurse taking care of a patient needs to have a lengthy discussion about a sensitive aspect of the patient’s care. To have therapeutic communication with this patient, the nurse should do which of these?

Therapeutic communication is, by definition, a planned, goal-oriented conversation that is interactive between the nurse and patient. The message is patient-directed and tailored to fit his or her needs (developmental, cognitive, etc.). It serves to promote a better working relationship and incorporates listening while providing both clarification and insight when necessary. It involves the use of both verbal and nonverbal communication.