Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

A)  "Don't worry.Everything will be alright."
B)  "You appear uptight."
C)  "I notice you have bitten your nails to the quick."
D)  "You are jumping to conclusions." A

Question 2

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 notice 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." C

Question 3

Which nursing statement is a good 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?" B

Question 4

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, left, and slammed the door."

Question 5

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

A)  "Does your husband treat you like this very often?"
B)  "What do you think is your role in this relationship?"
C)  "Why do you think he behaved like that?"
D)  "Describe what happened during your time with your husband."

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

A)  A mother spanking her son for playing with matches
B)  A teenage boy isolating himself and playing loud music
C)  A biker sporting an eagle tattoo on his biceps
D)  A teenage girl writing, "No one understands me"
E)  A father checking for new e-mail on a regular basis

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

A)  To reframe the client's thoughts about mental health treatment
B)  To put the client at ease
C)  To explore a subject, idea, experience, or relationship
D)  To communicate that the nurse is listening to the conversation

Question 8

A mother rescues two of her four children from a house fire. In the emergency department, she cries, "I should have gone back in to get them. I should have died, not them." What is the nurse's best response?

Accepted Answer

A)  "The smoke was too thick.You couldn't have gone back in."
B)  "You're feeling guilty because you weren't able to save your children."
C)  "Focus on the fact that you could have lost all four of your children."
D)  "It's best if you try not to think about what happened.Try to move on."

Question 9

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

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

A)  "Describe one of the best things that happened to you this week."
B)  "I'm having a difficult time understanding what you mean."
C)  "Your counseling session is in 30 minutes.I'll stay with you until then."
D)  "You mentioned your relationship with your father.Let's discuss that further."

Question 11

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?"

Question 12

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

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."

Question 13

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?

Accepted Answer

A)  "How would your family feel if you died?"
B)  "You feel worthless now, but that can change with time."
C)  "You've been feeling sad and alone for some time now?"
D)  "It is great that you have come in for help."

Question 14

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 15

What is the purpose of a nurse providing appropriate feedback?

Accepted Answer

A)  To give the client good advice
B)  To advise the client on appropriate behaviors
C)  To evaluate the client's behavior
D)  To give the client critical information

Question 16

A newly admitted client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) washes 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 17

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

A)  "Do you believe that I was the cause of your blood test being canceled?"
B)  "I see that you are upset, but I feel uncomfortable when you swear at me."
C)  "Have you ever thought about ways to express anger appropriately?"
D)  "I'll give you some space.Let me know if you need anything."

Question 18

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 19

Which therapeutic communication technique is being used in this nurse-client interaction? Client: "When I am anxious, the only thing that calms me down is alcohol."
Nurse: "Other than drinking, what alternatives have you explored to decrease anxiety?"

Accepted Answer

A)  Reflecting
B)  Making observations
C)  Formulating a plan of action
D)  Giving recognition

Question 20

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

A)  "It's scary to feel put on the spot by a client.Nurses don't always have the answer."
B)  "Remember, clients, not nurses, are responsible for their own choices and decisions."
C)  "Just keep the client's best interests in mind and do the best that you can."
D)  "Set a goal to continue to work on this aspect of your practice."

Exam 8: Therapeutic Communication