Mr. Davis reports more frequent indigestion; the nurse asks about relation to meals or position and relief; this is an example of which interview technique?

Mr. Davis reports more frequent indigestion; the nurse asks about relation to meals or position and relief; this is an example of which interview technique?

• A. Direct question
• B. Problem solving
• C. Problem seeking
• D. Open-ended question

Answer: (C)

This scenario illustrates problem seeking. By asking about how the indigestion relates to meals, body position, and relief, the nurse is probing to uncover patterns and triggers that define the patient’s problem. This focused questioning helps reveal when symptoms occur, what seems to worsen or relieve them, and how the problem behaves over time. That information is crucial for shaping the diagnostic picture and next steps in assessment. It isn’t just a broad open-ended prompt or a simple yes/no query, and it isn’t aimed at guiding the patient to a solution. Instead, it tunes in on the data that define the problem itself by exploring relationships and causative factors.

This scenario illustrates problem seeking. By asking about how the indigestion relates to meals, body position, and relief, the nurse is probing to uncover patterns and triggers that define the patient’s problem. This focused questioning helps reveal when symptoms occur, what seems to worsen or relieve them, and how the problem behaves over time. That information is crucial for shaping the diagnostic picture and next steps in assessment. It isn’t just a broad open-ended prompt or a simple yes/no query, and it isn’t aimed at guiding the patient to a solution. Instead, it tunes in on the data that define the problem itself by exploring relationships and causative factors.