During an interview, the nurse states, “What brings you to the clinic today?” Which communication technique is used with this statement?

Choice A reason: Facilitation involves encouraging elaboration, like nodding or saying “go on,” to keep the patient talking. The question “What brings you to the clinic today?” seeks a broad response, not just continuation, making this incorrect. Choice B reason: Direct questions seek specific answers, like “Do you have pain?” The stated question allows a broad, narrative response, not a targeted one, making it an open-ended technique rather than a direct one. Choice C reason: An open-ended question, like “What brings you to the clinic today?” invites the patient to provide a detailed, narrative response, allowing exploration of their concerns without limiting answers, making this the correct communication technique. Choice D reason: Reflection restates the patient’s words to clarify or validate, like “You feel tired?” The question posed seeks new information, not a restatement, making it an open-ended technique, not reflection.