Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

Which communication technique exemplifies clarification?

1. "How is it going?"

2. "You say you aren't concerned, but you've asked me many questions on this same subject."

3. "What do you mean when you say...?"

4. "For now, I would like to concentrate on..."

The correct answer is: "What do you mean when you say...?"

The selected statement demonstrates the technique of clarification effectively. Clarification is a communication strategy used to ensure understanding by encouraging the speaker to elaborate or specify their thoughts or feelings. By asking, "What do you mean when you say...?" the communicator is inviting the other person to provide greater detail or clarify their previous statements, which enhances understanding and promotes effective dialogue. The other options do not serve the purpose of clarification. A casual inquiry like "How is it going?" is more of an open-ended greeting than a request for clarification. The second statement points out a contradiction but does not prompt elaboration on the person’s feelings or thoughts, while the last option suggests a shift in focus rather than seeking to clarify what has already been communicated.