Question 1

Which therapeutic communication technique should the nurse use when communicating with a client who is experiencing auditory hallucinations?

Accepted Answer

This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of presenting reality.Presenting reality is when the client has a misperception of the environment.The nurse defines reality or indicates his or her perception of the situation for the client.

Question 2

A client is trying to explore and solve a problem.Which nursing statement would be an example of verbalizing the implied?

Accepted Answer

This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of verbalizing the implied.Verbalizing the implied puts into words what the client has only implied or said indirectly.

Question 3

Which of the following individuals are communicating a message? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The nurse should determine that spanking,isolating,getting tattoos,and writing are all ways in which people communicate messages to others.It is estimated that about 70% to 90% of communication is nonverbal.

Question 4

A client states,"You won't believe what my husband said to me during visiting hours.He has no right treating me that way." Which nursing response would best assess the situation that occurred?

Accepted Answer

This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of exploring.The purpose of using exploring is to delve further into the subject,idea,experience,or relationship.This technique is especially helpful with clients who tend to remain on a superficial level of communication.

Question 5

A client slammed a door on the unit several times.The nurse responds,"You seem angry." The client states,"I'm not angry." What therapeutic communication technique has the nurse employed,and what defense mechanism is the client unconsciously demonstrating?

Accepted Answer

This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of verbalizing the implied.The nurse is putting into words what the client has only implied by words or actions.Denial is the refusal of the client to acknowledge the existence of a real situation,the feelings associated with it,or both.

Question 6

A student nurse tells the instructor,"I'm concerned that when a client asks me for advice I won't have a good solution." Which should be the nursing instructor's best response?

Accepted Answer

Giving advice tells the client what to do or how to behave.It implies that the nurse knows what is best and that the client is incapable of any self-direction.It discourages independent thinking.

Question 7

After fasting from 10 p.m.the previous evening,a client finds out that the blood test has been canceled.The client swears at the nurse and states,"You are incompetent!" Which is the nurse's best response?

Accepted Answer

This is an example of the appropriate use of feedback.Feedback should be directed toward behavior that the client has the capacity to modify.

Question 8

Which nursing statement is a good example of the therapeutic communication technique of offering self?

Accepted Answer

This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of offering self.Offering self makes the nurse available on an unconditional basis,increasing client's feelings of self-worth.Professional boundaries must be maintained when using the technique of offering self.

Question 9

A client on an inpatient psychiatric unit tells the nurse,"I should have died,because I am totally worthless." In order to encourage the client to continue talking about feelings,which should be the nursing initial response?

Accepted Answer

This nursing statement is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of reflection.When reflection is used,questions and feelings are referred back to the client so that they may be recognized and accepted.

Question 10

During a nurse-client interaction,which nursing statement may belittle the client's feelings and concerns?

Accepted Answer

This nursing statement is an example of the nontherapeutic communication block of belittling feelings.Belittling feelings occurs when the nurse misjudges the degree of the client's discomfort,suggesting a lack of empathy and understanding.

Question 11

Which nursing response is an example of the nontherapeutic communication block of requesting an explanation?

Accepted Answer

This nursing statement is an example of the nontherapeutic communication block of requesting an explanation.Requesting an explanation is when the client is asked to provide the reason for thoughts,feelings,behaviors,and events.Asking "why" a client did something or feels a certain way can be very intimidating and implies that the client must defend his or her behavior or feelings.

Question 12

A student nurse is learning about the appropriate use of touch when communicating with clients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders.Which statement by the instructor best provides information about this aspect of therapeutic communication?

Accepted Answer

Touch can elicit both negative and positive reactions,depending on the people involved and the circumstances of the interaction.

Question 13

Which nursing statement is a good example of the therapeutic communication technique of focusing?

Accepted Answer

This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of focusing.Focusing takes notice of a single idea or even a single word and works especially well with a client who is moving rapidly from one thought to another.

Question 14

The nurse says to a newly admitted client,"Tell me more about what led up to your hospitalization." What is the purpose of this therapeutic communication technique?

Accepted Answer

This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of exploring.The purpose of exploring is to delve further into the subject,idea,experience,or relationship.This technique is especially helpful with clients who tend to remain on a superficial level of communication.

Quiz 8: Therapeutic Communication