Question 1

Which example of a therapeutic communication technique would be effective in the planning phase of the nursing process?

Accepted Answer

A)  "We've discussed past coping skills.Let's see if these coping skills can be effective now."
B)  "Please tell me in your own words what brought you to the hospital."
C)  "This new approach worked for you.Keep it up."
D)  "I noticed that you seem to be responding to voices that I do not hear." A

Question 2

Which therapeutic communication technique is being used in this nurse-client interaction? Client: "When I get angry,I get into a fistfight with my wife or I take it out on the kids."
Nurse: "I notice that you are smiling as you talk about this physical violence."

Accepted Answer

A)  Encouraging comparison
B)  Exploring
C)  Formulating a plan of action
D)  Making observations D

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

A)  "You seem to be motivated to change your behavior."
B)  "How will these changes affect your family relationships?"
C)  "Why don't you make a list of the behaviors you need to change?"
D)  "The team recommends that you make only one behavioral change at a time." A

Question 4

Which preexisting conditions influence the outcome of communication? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A)  Gender
B)  Distance
C)  Eye contact
D)  Values
E)  Paralanguage

Question 5

An instructor is correcting a nursing student's clinical worksheet.Which instructor statement is the best example of effective feedback?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Why did you use the client's name on your clinical worksheet?"
B)  "You were very careless to refer to your client by name on your clinical worksheet."
C)  "I noticed that you used the client's name in your written process recording.That is a breach of confidentiality."
D)  "It is disappointing that after being told,you're still using client names on your worksheet."

Question 6

Which of the following nursing statements demonstrate useful feedback? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A)  "Hitting the wall yesterday was not the best choice to express your anger."
B)  "The hospital has a support group on Tuesdays for those who want to quit smoking."
C)  "It appears you want to sit near the nurse's station when the morning meeting starts."
D)  "Your behavior has been unacceptable since you were admitted to this unit."
E)  "I noticed you participated in group more this afternoon than this morning."

Question 7

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

A)  Making observations and the defense mechanism of suppression
B)  Verbalizing the implied and the defense mechanism of denial
C)  Reflection and the defense mechanism of projection
D)  Encouraging descriptions of perceptions and the defense mechanism of displacement

Question 8

The nurse identifies which of the following statements reflects the model of transactional communication?

Accepted Answer

A)  Individuals use nonverbal body language to communicate.
B)  Individuals simultaneously perceive each other.
C)  Individuals use touch as a means of social communication.
D)  Individuals use facial expressions to convey feelings.

Question 9

Which therapeutic communication technique is being used in this nurse-client interaction? Client: "My father spanked me often."
Nurse: "Your father was a harsh disciplinarian."

Accepted Answer

A)  Restatement
B)  Offering general leads
C)  Focusing
D)  Accepting

Question 10

Which nursing response is the best example of the therapeutic communication technique of offering self?

Accepted Answer

A)  "I think it would be great if you talked about that problem during our next group session."
B)  "Would you like me to accompany you to your electroconvulsive therapy treatment?"
C)  "I notice that you are offering help to other peers in the milieu."
D)  "After discharge,would you like to meet me for lunch to review your outpatient progress?"

Question 11

The nurse observes a client sitting alone and crying after a group therapy session.The nurse sits in the chair nearest to the client and states,"I see you are crying.I'd like to sit with you for a few minutes." Which communication technique is the nurse using?

Accepted Answer

A)  Making an observation
B)  Offering a general lead
C)  Presenting reality
D)  Silence

Question 12

A nurse maintains an uncrossed arm and leg posture.This nonverbal behavior is reflective of which letter of the SOLER acronym for active listening?

Accepted Answer

A)  S
B)  O
C)  L
D)  E
E)  R

Question 13

A newly admitted client diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)washes her hands continually.This behavior prevents unit activity attendance.Which nursing statement best addresses this situation?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Everyone diagnosed with OCD needs to control their ritualistic behaviors."
B)  "It is important for you to discontinue these ritualistic behaviors."
C)  "Why are you asking for help if you won't participate in unit therapy?"
D)  "Let's figure out a way for you to attend unit activities and still wash your hands."

Question 14

A nurse states to a client,"Things will look better tomorrow after a good night's sleep." This is an example of which communication technique?

Accepted Answer

A)  The nontherapeutic technique of "giving advice"
B)  The nontherapeutic technique of "defending"
C)  The therapeutic technique of "presenting reality"
D)  The nontherapeutic technique of "giving false reassurance"

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

A)  "You did not attend group today.Can we talk about that?"
B)  "I'll sit with you until it is time for your family session."
C)  "I noticed you are wearing a new dress and you have washed your hair."
D)  "I'm happy that you are now taking your medications.They will really help."

Question 16

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

A)  "Touch carries a different meaning for different individuals."
B)  "Touch is often used when deescalating volatile client situations."
C)  "Touch is used to convey interest and warmth."
D)  "Touch is best combined with empathy when dealing with anxious clients."

Question 17

A client who frequently exhibits angry outbursts is diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder.Which appropriate feedback should a nurse provide when this client experiences an angry outburst?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Why do you continue to alienate your peers by your angry outbursts?"
B)  "You accomplish nothing when you lose your temper like that."
C)  "Showing your anger in that manner is very childish and insensitive."
D)  "During group,you raised your voice,yelled at a peer,and slammed the door."

Question 18

The nurse is interviewing a newly admitted psychiatric client.Which nursing statement is an example of offering a "general lead"?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Do you know why you are here?"
B)  "Are you feeling depressed or anxious?"
C)  "Yes,I see.Go on."
D)  "Can you chronologically order the events that led to your admission?"

Question 19

A client tells the nurse,"I have nothing left to enjoy in life.My children are grown and married." The nurse replies,"I'm sure you are looking forward to having grandchildren." Which communication technique is the nurse using?

Accepted Answer

A)  Giving advice
B)  Reflecting
C)  Using denial
D)  Verbalizing the implied

Question 20

A client tells the nurse,"I feel bad because my mother does not want me to return home after I leave the hospital." Which nursing response is therapeutic?

Accepted Answer

A)  "It's quite common for clients to feel that way after a lengthy hospitalization."
B)  "Why don't you talk to your mother? You may find out she doesn't feel that way."
C)  "Your mother seems like an understanding person.I'll help you approach her."
D)  "You feel that your mother does not want you to come back home?"

Exam 8: Therapeutic Communication