Ambulatory Care Nurse Certification Practice Exam

The essential approach in motivational interviewing involves checking the patient’s understanding. This technique fosters a collaborative environment where the patient feels heard and supported in their journey toward change. By ensuring that the patient comprehends the information being discussed, the nurse can facilitate better communication and engagement. It reflects the core principles of motivational interviewing, which emphasize empathy and respect for the patient’s autonomy.

This approach not only validates the patient’s feelings but also helps clarify any misconceptions they might have regarding their health or treatment options. Moreover, by actively engaging the patient in the conversation and allowing them to express their thoughts, it builds trust and promotes a more productive dialogue about behavior change. This step is crucial as it empowers patients to take ownership of their health decisions.

The other approaches mentioned do not align with the foundational strategies of motivational interviewing. Providing scripted responses can lead to a disconnect between the patient and the nurse, undermining the personalized care that motivational interviewing requires. Encouraging resistance to change is counterproductive, as the goal of motivational interviewing is to enhance motivation and facilitate discussions about change, not to foster reluctance. Limiting session duration can hinder thorough exploration of the patient’s feelings, barriers, and motivation, therefore, reducing the effectiveness of the intervention.