In mental health intake, what is the appropriate approach to pacing the interview?

• A. The nurse dictates the pace.
• B. The client sets the pace with the nurse guiding.
• C. Use rapid rapid-fire questions.
• D. Avoid open-ended prompts.

Answer: (B)

In a mental health intake, pacing should be client-led with the nurse providing guiding structure. Let the client set the pace for sharing, while the nurse offers support, clarifications, and gentle direction to cover what’s needed. This approach builds trust, reduces anxiety, and helps the client disclose information at a comfortable rate, yet ensures essential topics and safety concerns are addressed. Start with open-ended prompts that invite the client to tell their story, then use targeted questions as needed to fill in details, while using reflective listening and calm tempo to manage distress and transitions. Dictating pace can feel controlling and overwhelm the client; rapid-fire questioning can miss nuance and important information; avoiding open-ended prompts limits the client’s ability to provide context. A collaborative, paced approach best supports a thorough and accurate assessment.