Which technique is most efficient for the nurse to use when obtaining information about a client's primary health problem during the admission interview?

During an admission interview, utilizing closed-ended questions can prove to be highly efficient for obtaining specific information about a client's primary health problem. Closed-ended questions typically require a limited response, such as "yes" or "no," or a choice from defined options, which helps the nurse quickly gather precise data.

This technique is particularly useful when the goal is to clarify symptoms, medical history, or any urgent issues that need to be addressed promptly. For instance, asking questions like "Do you experience chest pain?" allows the nurse to obtain a clear, direct response which can streamline further assessment and immediate care decisions.

While other techniques such as open-ended questions can encourage clients to share more comprehensive information, they often require longer responses that may lead to ambiguity or additional follow-up questions. Therefore, in situations where time is of the essence and clarity is crucial, closed-ended questions stand out for their effectiveness in efficiently obtaining targeted information. Problem-seeking responses and restatement of responses may enhance rapport and understanding but are less focused on extracting specific data quickly.