Therapeutic Communication

A client is struggling to explore and solve a problem. Which nursing statement would verbalize the implication of the client’s actions?

• "You seem to be motivated to change your behavior.”

• “The team recommends that you make only one behavioral change at a time.”

• “Why don't you make a list of the behaviors you need to change.”

• “How will these changes affect your family relationships?”

The nurse asks a newly admitted client, “What can we do to help you?” What is the purpose of this therapeutic communication technique?

• To communicate that the nurse is listening to the conversation

• To explore a subject, idea, experience, or relationship

• To reframe the client’s thoughts about mental health treatment

• To put the client at ease

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?

• “Remember, clients, not nurses, are responsible for their own choices and decisions.”

• “Just keep the client’s best interests in mind and do the best that you can.”

• “It’s scary to feel put on the spot by a client. Nurses don't always have the answer.”

• “Set a goal to continue to work on this aspect of your practice.”

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

• “I’m having a difficult time understanding what you mean.”

• “Describe one of the best things that happened to you this week.”

• “You mentioned your relationship with your father. Let’s discuss that further.”

• “Your counseling session is in 30 minutes. I’ll stay with you until then.”

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?

• “Do you believe that I was the cause of your blood test being canceled?”

• “I see that you are upset, but I feel uncomfortable when you swear at me.”

• “I'll give you some space. Let me know if you need anything.”

• “Have you ever thought about ways to express anger appropriately?”

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

• “Don’t worry. Everything will be alright.”

• “You appear uptight.”

• “I notice you have bitten your nails to the quick.”

• “You are jumping to conclusions.”

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 nurse’s initial response?

• “You've been feeling sad and alone for some time now?”

• “You feel worthless now, but that can change with time.”

• “How would your family feel if you died?”

• “It is great that you have come in for help.”

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

• “Are you not understanding the explanation I provided?”

• “There is always an explanation for both good and bad behaviors.”

• “Can you tell me why you said that?”

• “Keep your chin up. I’ll explain the procedure to you.”

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?

• “Describe what happened during your time with your husband.”

• “Why do you think he behaved like that?”

• “What do you think is your role in this relationship?”

• “Does your husband treat you like this very often?”

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

• “I wouldn't worry about these voices. The medication will make them disappear.”

• “My sister has the same diagnosis as you and she also hears voices.”

• “I understand that the voices seem real to you, but I do not hear any voices.”

• “Why not turn up the radio so that the voices are muted.”