Which statement demonstrates therapeutic communication?

• A. Explain the treatment plan in detail without asking questions.
• B. Avoid discussing the patient's concerns.
• C. Ignore the patient’s emotional cues.
• D. Tell me more about your concerns.

Answer: (D)

Therapeutic communication relies on inviting patients to share their concerns and responding with empathy. Saying “Tell me more about your concerns” invites the patient to expand on what’s on their mind, shows genuine interest, and creates a safe space for them to express fears, questions, or preferences. This open-ended prompt helps gather meaningful information, validates the patient’s experiences, and supports trust and collaboration in care.

In contrast, explaining the plan in detail without asking questions can feel paternalistic and shut down patient input. Avoiding discussion of the patient’s concerns and ignoring emotional cues fail to acknowledge the patient’s needs and emotions, which undermines rapport and safety.