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Open-ended questions are questions that cannot be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no', encouraging the patient to provide more information. For instance, a nurse might ask, 'Can you tell me more about your pain?'

Naming the feeling involves recognizing emotional states the patient might be experiencing. For instance, 'You seem a bit anxious today, is there something troubling you?'

This technique asks the patient to describe how they perceive situations or symptoms, promoting discussion. For instance, 'Tell me how you feel when you get these headaches.'

Verbalizing the implied involves expressing in words what the patient has only suggested or hinted at. For instance, 'It sounds like you’re feeling hopeless about your current health situation.'

Active listening involves giving full attention to the patient, acknowledging feelings, and providing feedback. For example, a nurse may nod and say, 'I see,' as a patient describes their symptoms.

Using humor can break the ice and relieve tension, when appropriate. For example, joking gently about hospital gowns being unfashionable.

Presenting reality is used when clarifying misconceptions by describing how things actually are. For example, if a patient is hallucinating, 'I understand you're scared, but I assure you, there’s no one else in the room.'

Clarifying ensures the nurse's understanding is correct by asking the patient to explain or elaborate. For example, 'When you say you're feeling dizzy, can you describe what that feels like?'

Therapeutic use of touch can convey caring and provide comfort. For example, gently holding a patient’s hand while discussing their concerns.

Restating is simply repeating the exact words of the patient to encourage continued talking. For example, Patient: 'I'm so tired of this pain.' Nurse: 'Tired of the pain?'

Reflecting involves repeating back to the patient what they have just said, which can encourage further discussion. For instance, 'You're feeling anxious about the surgery tomorrow—is that right?'

Information seeking entails prompting the patient to provide more details needed for assessment. For example, 'Could you tell me exactly where you feel the pain and what kind of pain it is?'

Providing information means giving the patient clear, concise and accurate information that they need. For example, explaining a medication’s side effects before administration.

Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of the patient. For example, 'I can understand how receiving this diagnosis might be upsetting for you.'

Validation acknowledges the patient’s feelings, experiences, and concerns as legitimate. For example, 'It's completely understandable that you'd be nervous before this kind of surgery.'

Exploring means delving deeper into a subject, detail, or idea the patient has mentioned. For example, 'You’ve brought up your fatigue a few times, can we talk more about that?'

Offering hope is cautiously giving a patient encouragement regarding their prospects or treatment. For instance, 'Many people with this condition improve substantially with treatment.'

Summarizing involves briefly stating the main points of what the patient has conveyed, helping to clarify and confirm what has been discussed. For example, 'You've mentioned that the pain gets worse in the afternoon and after walking.'

Voicing doubt is expressing uncertainty to encourage patients to recognize and clarify their own beliefs. For instance, 'Are you sure that skipping the medication is helping you feel better?'

Focusing helps to steer the conversation to key issues when the patient is rambling or jumping between topics. For example, 'Let's go back to when you first noticed the swelling.'

Sharing observations means pointing out things noticed about the patient without assuming or diagnosing. For example, 'I see that you’ve finished all your meals today, how’s your appetite?'

Broad openings allow the patient to take the initiative in the conversation. For example, 'Where would you like to begin today with our discussion?'

This technique transforms the patient's verbal communication into emotional language. For example, 'When you say 'stuck', do you mean you’re feeling frustrated with your progress?'

Genuineness is about being honest and transparent in interactions. For example, 'I’m not sure of the answer, but I’ll find out for you,' demonstrates honesty and a commitment to the patient.

Using analogies helps explain complex concepts by comparing them to familiar situations. For example, comparing blood flow in clogged arteries to water running through a narrow pipe.

General leads encourage the patient to continue speaking. For example, 'Go on,' 'Tell me more about that,' or a simple 'And then?' can prompt further sharing.

This technique checks that the nurse and patient are in agreement about what is being discussed. For example, 'My understanding is that you’re feeling better today, is that correct?'

This technique prompts patients to think about future actions concerning their health. For example, 'What might be some steps you could take to improve your diet?'

Self-disclosure involves appropriately sharing personal experiences with the patient to enhance connection. For instance, 'When I had surgery, I felt anxious too; it’s a common feeling.'

Confrontation is used carefully to point out discrepancies in the patient’s behavior or communication. For instance, 'You say it doesn't hurt, but I notice you wince when you move.'

Translation to felt need means interpreting and responding to the underlying emotions of the patient's message. For example, 'You must be exhausted dealing with these symptoms every day.'

Reassurance helps to alleviate fears and anxiety. For instance, 'We'll be monitoring you closely throughout the procedure and will do everything to keep you comfortable.'

Offering self means being available and showing a willingness to spend time with the patient. For instance, 'I have a few minutes, would you like to talk about what’s on your mind?'

Asking personal questions should be done with care to obtain necessary clinical information without invading privacy. For example, 'Can you describe your living situation to help me understand how to best support your recovery?'

Giving leads offers the patient direction in the conversation without overtaking it. For instance, 'Tell me what you’ve been doing to manage your stress lately.'

Cultural sensitivity involves being aware of and respecting the patient’s cultural background. For example, 'Would you like to discuss any cultural practices or dietary preferences that are important to you?'

Using silence effectively allows the patient time to think and gather their thoughts or emotions. For instance, a nurse may remain silent after asking a difficult question to give the patient space to respond.

Encouraging evaluation asks the patient to provide their own thoughts about their experiences or health issues. For example, 'How do you feel the treatment has been working so far for you?'

Paraphrasing means restating the patient's message in the nurse's own words to show that they are actively engaged and understand. For example, 'So, you're worried that the medication might make you feel tired during the day?'