Which principle should guide the nurse in determining the extent of silence to use during patient interview sessions?

A. Using silence allows the patient time to process thoughts and feelings, encourages introspection, and can facilitate deeper communication during interviews. B. While prolonged silence can sometimes make patients uncomfortable, its intentional and therapeutic use is beneficial when appropriately timed. C. Reflecting or paraphrasing communicates understanding; silence alone does not confirm comprehension. D. In therapeutic communication, the nurse does not have to immediately fill silence; allowing moments of quiet can be purposeful.