Which actions by the nurse should be done in order to get to know the patient? (Select all that apply.)

A) Avoid assumptions
B) Focus on the patient
C) Engage in a caring relationship
D) Form the relationship very quickly
E) Not address spiritual or higher needs

To know a patient means that the nurse avoids assumptions, focuses on the patient, and engages in a caring relationship with the patient that reveals information and cues that facilitate critical thinking and clinical judgments. Knowing develops over time as a nurse learns the clinical conditions within a specialty and the behaviors and physiological responses of patients.