Indirect Questions are a polite way of asking for information. Instead of asking directly (“Where is the doctor?”), we change the structure to sound more respectful (“Could you tell me where the doctor is?”).

In nursing, indirect questions are especially important because nurses often face conflicts, misunderstandings, complaints, emergencies, and sensitive situations. Using indirect questions helps nurses:

• Maintain professionalism in tense situations (e.g., during conflict or aggressive behavior).
• Ask for information in a polite and calm way (e.g., when patients feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed).
• Avoid sounding too direct or rude when handling complaints, confusion, or critical incidents.
• Encourage cooperation from uncooperative patients, families, or colleagues.

Key difference:

• Direct question: “Why are you upset?” → This may sound too direct or aggressive.
• Indirect question: “Could you tell me why you are upset?” → This sounds more polite and professional.

Indirect questions are introduced with phrases like:

• Could you tell me…
• Do you know…
• I’d like to know…
• Would you mind explaining…
• Can you let me know…

2. How to use (structure) 

3. Do not use (Common Errors)

❌ Keeping question word order inside the indirect question:

• Wrong: “Could you tell me where is the doctor?”
• Correct: “Could you tell me where the doctor is?”

❌ Forgetting to remove “do/does/did” in indirect questions:

• Wrong: “Do you know what did happen in the incident?”
• Correct: “Do you know what happened in the incident?”

❌ Mixing direct tone with indirect structures:

• Wrong: “Can you tell me why are you so aggressive?”
• Correct: “Can you tell me why you are aggressive?”

❌ Using unclear intro phrases in sensitive contexts:

• Wrong: “Tell me what the problem is.” (too direct)
• Correct: “Could you explain what the problem is?” (polite, professional)

4. Examples in Context (EN)

1. Could you explain what the conflict is about?
2. Do you know why the patient was so aggressive during the night shift?
3. I’d like to know if the complaint form has already been processed.
4. Can you tell me how the team will manage the shortage of nurses?
5. I’m not sure what caused the breakdown in communication during the emergency.

5. Traducción de Ejemplos en Contexto (ES)

1. ¿Podría explicar de qué se trata el conflicto?
2. ¿Sabe por qué el paciente estuvo tan agresivo durante el turno de noche?
3. Me gustaría saber si el formulario de quejas ya ha sido procesado.
4. ¿Puede decirme cómo manejará el equipo la escasez de enfermeras?
5. No estoy segura de qué causó la ruptura en la comunicación durante la emergencia.