What should a nurse do to promote effective communication with parents?

• A. Encourage them to express their feelings through open-ended questions
• B. Limit questions to yes/no answers
• C. Use medical jargon without explanation
• D. Rely on written brochures only

Answer: (A)

Promoting effective communication with parents hinges on inviting them to share their thoughts and concerns rather than closing down the conversation. Open-ended questions require more than yes/no responses, allowing parents to express fears, expectations, and questions about their child’s care. This approach builds trust, helps the nurse understand parental priorities, and supports collaborative decision-making so the plan fits the family’s needs. In contrast, restricting questions to yes/no answers limits information and may miss important concerns. Using medical jargon without explanation creates confusion, and relying on written brochures alone misses opportunities to assess understanding and address emotions or cultural factors.