Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

How should a nurse respond to a patient asking a personal question?

1. By sharing her own experiences

2. By redirecting the client

3. By providing detailed answers

4. By remaining silent

The correct answer is: By redirecting the client

When a patient asks a personal question, the most appropriate response is to redirect the client. This approach maintains professional boundaries and ensures that the focus remains on the patient's care and needs. Redirecting allows the nurse to guide the conversation back to topics relevant to the patient's health and treatment, while also reassuring the patient that their concerns are valid and will be addressed in a professional context. By doing this, the nurse establishes a therapeutic relationship that prioritizes the patient’s emotional and physical needs, rather than sharing personal information that may not be relevant or appropriate. This response fosters a safe environment for the patient, as it sets clear boundaries while still showing support. In contrast, sharing personal experiences can blur the lines of professionalism and may inadvertently shift the focus away from the patient's issues. Providing detailed answers might lead to an overwhelming share of information for the patient, which could detract from their primary concerns. Remaining silent can come off as dismissive or uninterested, leaving the patient feeling invalidated or isolated. Therefore, redirecting the client is the most effective and professional response in this situation.