PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

When communicating with a client who has hearing loss, what action should the nurse take?

1. Rephrase client instructions when not understood.

2. Cup hands around the mouth and direct speech toward the client.

3. Accentuate vowel sounds by using a higher pitch when speaking.

4. Speak instructions into the client's best ear.

The correct answer is: Rephrase client instructions when not understood.

The most effective action for a nurse to take when communicating with a client who has hearing loss is to rephrase client instructions when not understood. This approach emphasizes the importance of clear communication and ensures that the client comprehends the information being shared. By rephrasing, the nurse can adjust the complexity, use simpler language, or break down the instructions into smaller, more manageable parts. This minimizes misunderstandings and fosters better comprehension. Cup hands around the mouth and directing speech toward the client may seem like a viable method to improve sound transmission, but it can distort the clarity of speech and does not effectively address the communication gap caused by hearing loss. Similarly, accentuating vowel sounds by using a higher pitch may not significantly enhance understanding, as many individuals with hearing loss have difficulty with high-frequency sounds rather than low-frequency vowels. Speaking directly into the client's best ear might seem helpful; however, it risks creating an unnatural positioning that can hinder visual cues and prevent effective communication. Overall, rephrasing when the client does not understand is a proactive and supportive way to ensure clarity and mutual understanding in the communication process.