Which action would disrupt therapeutic communication with a patient?

• A. Interrupting the patient.
• B. Maintaining eye contact and asking clarifying questions.
• C. Reflecting patient concerns back to them.
• D. Giving a patient time to respond.

Answer: (A)

Interrupting the patient disrupts therapeutic communication because it cuts off the patient’s train of thought, prevents them from fully expressing concerns, and signals that what they say isn’t valued. This breaks trust and can lead to missing important information and inaccurate assessments.

Actions that show attentiveness support good communication. Maintaining eye contact and asking clarifying questions demonstrates you’re listening and helps you understand exactly what the patient means. Reflecting the patient’s concerns back to them validates their feelings and confirms your understanding, which builds rapport. Giving the patient time to respond shows respect for their pace and reduces pressure, encouraging fuller, more honest sharing.