What does the nurse do when a client refuses to answer a question during the health history interview?
From the beginning of the interview, the nurse is sensitive to the client’s responses and level of comfort during the interview. The nurse observes for nonverbal messages that the client is tiring or is having difficulty remembering data or is reluctant to answer questions. The nurse can share observations and ask the client to validate these. The nurse uses the interview to develop rapport with the patient. Sensitive or very personal questions are asked after this rapport has developed. Throughout the assessment process the nurse reassures the client about the confidential nature of the data collection and informs the client about the importance of the data to the plan of care.
