The patient states,"I don't know what my family will think about this." The nurse wishes to use the communication technique of clarification.Which of the following statements would fit that need best?

A) "You don't know what your family will think?"
B) "I'm not sure that I understand what you mean."
C) "I think it would be helpful if we talk more about your family."
D) "I sense that you may be anxious about something."

The definition of clarification is attempting to put into words vague ideas or unclear thoughts of the patient to enhance the nurse's understanding,or asking the patient to explain what he or she means.Repeating main thoughts expressed by patients is known as "restating." Using questions or statements that help patients expand on a topic of importance is known as "focusing." Asking a patient to verify the nurse's understanding of what the patient is thinking or feeling is known as "sharing perceptions."