Which principle should guide the nurse in determining the extent of silence to use during patient interview sessions?

A) Nurses are responsible for breaking silences.
B) Patients withdraw if silences are prolonged.
C) Silence can provide meaningful moments for reflection.
D) Silence helps patients know that what they said is understood.

Silence can be helpful to both participants by giving each an opportunity to contemplate what has transpired, weigh alternatives, and formulate ideas. A nurse breaking silences is not a principle related to silences. Saying that patients withdraw during long silences or that silence helps patients know that they are understood are both inaccurate statements. Feedback helps patients know they have been understood.