A postpartum client with a hearing impairment is being cared for. Which technique should the nurse use to facilitate communication?

• A. Sit at the client's eye level
• B. Speak loudly from the doorway
• C. Stand to the side while talking
• D. Speak quickly to finish the conversation

Answer: (A)

The main idea is face-to-face communication that allows clear visual cues for someone who has a hearing impairment. Sitting at the client’s eye level ensures your face is clearly visible, making it easier for her to read your lips, observe facial expressions, and pick up nonverbal signals that aid understanding. Being directly in front of her also keeps you within her line of sight and improves lighting and visibility, which are important for effective communication.

Speaking loudly from the doorway doesn’t help because volume alone doesn’t improve understanding and can be uncomfortable or startling. Standing to the side reduces the ability to see your lips and facial cues, hindering comprehension. Speaking quickly gives little time for processing and can blur articulation. The best approach is calm, clear, face-to-face communication at an appropriate distance so she can see and interpret both verbal and nonverbal information.