A nurse is communicating with a child who has hearing loss. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Communication with a child who has hearing loss requires the nurse to use nonverbal cues and supportive strategies to enhance understanding and engagement. Because auditory input is limited, visual, tactile, and contextual cues become essential in establishing communication. Effective interaction promotes trust, reduces anxiety, and ensures that the child receives accurate information during care. Nursing interventions should be developmentally appropriate and adapted to the child’s sensory needs. Rationale: A. Changing positions frequently to maintain the child’s attention is not effective because it can be distracting and may interfere with the child’s ability to focus on visual cues such as lip reading or facial expressions. Consistency in positioning, preferably facing the child at eye level, improves communication clarity. Frequent movement can reduce comprehension rather than enhance attention. B. Exaggerating the pronunciation of words is incorrect because it distorts natural lip movements and makes speech reading more difficult. Clear, normal articulation is more effective than overemphasized or exaggerated speech. Maintaining a natural speaking pattern allows the child to better interpret visual cues from the lips and facial expressions. C. Using light touch when initiating conversation is appropriate because it helps gain the child’s attention before speaking, especially when auditory cues are limited. Gentle touch on the shoulder or arm can signal the start of communication in a respectful and non-threatening way. This supports engagement and prepares the child to focus on visual communication cues. D. Maintaining a neutral facial expression is incorrect because facial expressions are an important component of communication for children with hearing loss. Expressive facial cues help convey meaning, emotion, and intent, supporting better understanding. A neutral expression may reduce communication effectiveness and make messages harder to interpret.