Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

What nursing intervention is appropriate for a patient with verbal apraxia?

1. Encouraging the patient to sing instead of speaking

2. Having the patient use writing as an alternative to speaking

3. Offering speech therapy immediately

4. Minimizing discussions to relieve frustration

The correct answer is: Having the patient use writing as an alternative to speaking

The appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with verbal apraxia is to have the patient use writing as an alternative to speaking. Verbal apraxia is a motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for individuals to plan and coordinate the movements needed for speech. This can lead to frustration as they struggle to express themselves verbally. Using writing as an alternative allows patients to convey their thoughts and needs without the frustration associated with speaking difficulties. Writing can serve as a beneficial communication tool, helping to reduce anxiety and improving the patient's ability to participate in conversations. This alternative approach can empower the patient, allowing them to express themselves more effectively and fostering a sense of independence despite their speech challenge. The other interventions do not effectively address the immediate communication needs of someone with verbal apraxia. While encouraging the patient to sing might be helpful in some cases, it is not a reliable or consistent method for all individuals. Offering speech therapy is an essential long-term solution, but it may not be immediately available, so it may not assist with the pressing communication needs in the moment. Minimizing discussions may reduce frustration but does not facilitate communication and could lead to isolation or feelings of inadequacy. Thus, using writing becomes the most appropriate strategy in this context.