Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Planning involves setting goals and selecting strategies. Proposing the use of previously discussed coping skills reflects planning an intervention.

Question 2

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

Answer reason: Option D reflects and restates the client's feeling to encourage exploration and clarification, a core therapeutic communication technique. Other options give advice, make assumptions, or offer false reassurance.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Giving recognition involves acknowledging observed behavior or appearance without judgment or approval; option C neutrally notes the client's actions. A focuses on confronting behavior, B is offering self, and D gives approval/praise.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Verbalizing the implied involves stating what the client’s behavior suggests. “You seem to be motivated…” identifies the implication of the client’s actions. B is exploring consequences, and C and D give advice/direction.

Question 5

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

Answer reason: Asking an open-ended, broad question invites the client to lead the discussion and explore needs and concerns, which is the goal of therapeutic communication techniques such as broad openings/exploring.

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

Answer reason: Advising is nontherapeutic; nurses support client autonomy and decision-making. Reminding that clients are responsible for their own choices is the best therapeutic response.

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

Answer reason: Acknowledges the client’s feelings and sets clear limits on abusive language using an assertive "I" statement—key elements of therapeutic communication and maintaining boundaries.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Offering false reassurance minimizes and invalidates the client’s feelings, which can be perceived as belittling. The other statements are observational or confrontational but do not inherently dismiss feelings.

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 nurse's initial response?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Reflecting and verbalizing observed feelings with an open-ended question invites the client to elaborate and explore emotions. The other options are nontherapeutic (guilt-inducing, reassuring, or praising) and do not facilitate discussion.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Requesting an explanation is a nontherapeutic technique that asks "why," which can sound judgmental. Option A explicitly asks "why.

Question 11

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

Answer reason: Open-ended, nonjudgmental question that invites the client to describe events and provides data for assessment. The other options are closed, judgmental, or use "why," which can be defensive.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Offering self involves making one’s presence available to support the client. Option B appropriately offers to accompany the patient, while A is giving advice, C is making an observation, and D violates professional boundaries.

Question 13

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

Answer reason: The nurse labels the client’s nonverbal affect by putting into words what is implied—"You seem angry"—which is verbalizing the implied. The client’s statement "I’m not angry" despite behavior suggests denial of the feeling.

Question 14

Which description is applicable to therapeutic communication?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Therapeutic communication is purposeful, client-centered interaction that addresses the client's expressed or unexpressed needs through active listening and empathetic responses. The other options describe sensory stimulation, reminiscence therapy, or validation therapy, not general therapeutic communication.

Question 15

Which statement made by the nurse while communicating with an adolescent will reduce the effectiveness of communication?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: This is a leading, closed-ended question that implies a judgment and limits open expression, thereby reducing therapeutic communication. The other options are open-ended and facilitative.

Question 16

A patient with a diagnosis of major depression who has attempted suicide says to the nurse, "I should have died! I've always been a failure. Nothing ever goes right for me." Which response demonstrates therapeutic communication?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Option D uses reflection and an open-ended prompt that acknowledges feelings and invites elaboration, which is therapeutic. A offers false reassurance, B uses a non-therapeutic "why" question, and C minimizes/labels the feeling instead of exploring it.

Question 17

When the community health nurse visits a patient at home, the patient states, "I haven’t slept the last couple of nights." Which response by the nurse illustrates a therapeutic communication response to this patient?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Option C uses restatement/clarification to encourage exploration, a therapeutic technique. A is minimal and nontherapeutic, B is dismissive, and D shifts focus to the nurse via self-disclosure.

Question 18

A patient experiencing disturbed thought processes believes that his food is has been poisoned. Which communication technique should the nurse use to encourage the patient to eat?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Open-ended questions and therapeutic use of silence encourage the client to express fears and perceptions, reducing anxiety and facilitating engagement. The other choices are nontherapeutic or not communication techniques.

Question 19

A patient diagnosed with terminal cancer says to the nurse “I’m going to die, and I wish my family would stop hoping for a cure! I get so angry when they carry on like this. After all, I’m the one who’s dying.” Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Option C reflects and validates the patient’s feelings and invites further exploration, which is a therapeutic communication technique. The other options are either closed-ended, directive, or make an unfounded judgment.

Question 20

The nurse is preparing a patient for the termination phase of the nurse-patient relationship. The nurse prepares to implement which nursing task that is most appropriate for this phase?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: In the termination phase the nurse focuses on evaluating progress and arranging for continued support; making appropriate referrals is key. The other tasks are part of orientation/working phases.

Question 21

The nurse uses a variety of therapeutic communication skills when working with patients. Which of the following is a therapeutic goal that can be accomplished through the use of therapeutic communication skills?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Therapeutic communication primarily facilitates assessment of the client’s feelings, thoughts, and perceptions; it is exploratory rather than directive. Option B reflects this goal, whereas the others are nurse-directed actions.

Question 22

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

Answer reason: Collaborative, nonjudgmental approach that supports participation while accommodating the compulsive ritual initially; plan to gradually modify rituals. Other options are confrontational or judgmental.

Question 23

A male client tells the nurse he was involved in a car accident while he was intoxicated. What would be the most therapeutic response from nurse Julia?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Open-ended, nonjudgmental statement that encourages the client to express feelings is the most therapeutic. The other options are judgmental, accusatory, or giving unsolicited advice.

Question 24

The nurse uses a variety of therapeutic communication skills when working with patients. Which of the following is a therapeutic goal that can be accomplished through the use of therapeutic communication skills?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Therapeutic communication primarily helps the nurse understand the patient’s feelings and viewpoint. The other options are nurse-directed actions (advising, controlling emotions, prescribing plans) and are not the primary goal of therapeutic communication.

Question 25

Which one of the following goals of therapeutic communication would the nurse strive to attain first?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: The first priority in therapeutic communication is establishing a trusting, therapeutic nurse–client relationship; only after rapport is built can the nurse facilitate emotional expression, teaching, and interventions.

Question 26

The patient expresses frustration that the doctor does not spend enough time with the patient when making rounds. The nurse replies, 'The doctors are very busy. What can I help you with?' The nurse incorporated which nontherapeutic technique in this response?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Responding that the doctors are very busy protects the provider and minimizes the patient’s concern, which is the nontherapeutic technique of defending.

Question 27

A patient asks the nurse what she should do about her cheating husband. The nurse replies, You should divorce him. You deserve better than that. The nurse used which communication technique?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Saying 'You should divorce him' directs the patient on what to do, which is the non-therapeutic technique of giving advice. It is not giving information, verbalizing the implied, or agreeing.

Question 28

The nurse says to the client, 'You become very anxious when we start talking about your drinking.' Which of the following techniques is the nurse using?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: The nurse neutrally describes an observed behavior (client becomes anxious) to increase awareness, which is the therapeutic technique of making an observation—not confronting, translating feelings, or verbalizing the implied.

Question 29

The nurse is sitting with a patient who is crying. After a few minutes the nurse places one hand on the patient's shoulder. Which of the following best describes the purpose of the nurse's touch with this patient?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Therapeutic use of touch communicates caring and support to a distressed patient; it is not for assessment, sympathy, or offering friendship.

Question 30

While taking history from the patient the nurse is building trust by using therapeutic technique, in which phase nurse has to build trust?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Trust and rapport are primarily established in the orientation/introductory phase of the nurse–patient relationship; the working phase focuses on problem-solving and interventions, and termination ends the relationship.

Question 31

Interviewing a patient with hearing impairment may require the nurse to do all of the following except?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: For clients with hearing impairment, the nurse should face the patient, ensure hearing aids work, and use aids like written communication or interpreters as needed. Therefore the action not indicated is to avoid written communication.

Question 32

Which of the following is an aspect of verbal communication?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Vocabulary is a core element of verbal communication. Posture and art/music are nonverbal forms, and 'messages within message' refers to metacommunication rather than a basic verbal component.

Question 33

Who described communication as the 'matrix for all thought and relationships between persons'?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: The quote attributing communication as the matrix for all thought and interpersonal relationships is credited to Murray and Zentner.

Question 34

Which of the following is characteristic of private relationships?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Private relationships are marked by unique, individualized knowledge about the other person and intrinsic rewards/irreplaceability; public relationships rely on normative rules, extrinsic rewards, and substitutability.

Question 35

The client with cancer refuses to care for herself. Which action by the nurse would be best?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Begin with therapeutic assessment. Exploring the client’s reasons uses therapeutic communication, identifies barriers such as depression or fatigue, and guides appropriate interventions. The other options either lecture, shift responsibility to staff, or escalate to the provider without assessment.

Question 36

A nursing assistant asks the nurse manager to explain the beliefs of a Christian Scientist who refuses admission to the hospital following a motor vehicle accident. The BEST response emphasizes the importance to the believer of?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Christian Scientists emphasize spiritual healing and often avoid medical interventions, believing such treatments can interfere with their religious practice.

Question 37

The nurse admits an elderly Mexican-American migrant worker following an accident in the fields. To facilitate communication, it is a PRIORITY for the nurse to?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Do not stereotype or assume language proficiency. First assess the client’s ability and comfort communicating in English; then arrange appropriate interpreter services if needed.

Question 38

A Hispanic client confides in the nurse that she is concerned that staff may give her newborn the "evil eye." The nurse should communicate to other personnel it is MOST important to?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: In some Hispanic and other cultures, the evil eye is believed to occur when a person looks at someone without touching them; touching the infant while or immediately after looking is thought to prevent it. This respects cultural beliefs and reduces the mother’s concern.

Question 39

A Hispanic client refuses emergency room treatment until a curandero is called. The nurse should understand that this person brings?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: A curandero is a traditional Hispanic folk healer who uses holistic methods and often collaborates with conventional providers; it is not witchcraft.

Question 40

A client tells the nurse he is fearful of planned surgery because of evil thoughts about a family member. The BEST initial response by the nurse is to?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Initial therapeutic communication involves active listening and validating expressed feelings. Calling a chaplain, denying feelings, or citing statistics do not first address the client’s immediate emotional needs.

Question 41

A nurse is using an interpreter to teach a client about home care. It is IMPORTANT for the nurse to?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: When using an interpreter, the nurse should address and face the client directly to maintain eye contact and convey nonverbal cues while the interpreter translates.

Question 42

Which response by the nurse would BEST assist the chemically impaired client to deal with issues of guilt?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Option B uses therapeutic communication to explore feelings and promote problem-solving, helping the client address guilt. A offers false reassurance, C minimizes feelings, and D is judgmental.

Question 43

When working with a client with paranoid personality disorder, which approach would the nurse use?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Clients with paranoid personality disorder are suspicious and mistrustful; they respond best to a serious, straightforward, and professional manner rather than cheerful or overly friendly approaches.

Question 44

To obtain data for the nursing assessment, the nurse should?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: The best way to obtain comprehensive assessment data is to encourage clients to describe their experiences, thoughts, and behaviors. Solely observing nonverbal cues is incomplete, rigid adherence to a plan can miss important data, and letting clients talk without focus may be inefficient.

Question 45

A nurse arranges for a interpreter to facilitate communication between the health care team and a non-English speaking client. To promote therapeutic communication, the FIRST thing for the nurse to remember when working with an interpreter is to?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: When using an interpreter, the nurse should address and maintain therapeutic connection with the client, using both verbal and nonverbal cues, rather than focusing on interpreter mechanics. This best promotes rapport and understanding.

Question 46

While conducting the initial physical assessment on a client who is a Vietnamese immigrant, the nurse notices small, circular, ecchymotic areas on the client's knees. The BEST action for the nurse to take is to?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: First assess by using therapeutic communication. In some Vietnamese clients, circular ecchymoses may be from cultural practices such as cupping rather than abuse; asking clarifying questions is the appropriate initial action before reporting or documenting.

Question 47

A 65-year-old Hispanic-Latino client with prostate cancer rates his pain as a 6 on a 0-to-10 scale. He refuses all pain medication other than Motrin, which does not relieve his pain. The BEST action for the nurse to take is to?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: First use therapeutic communication to explore the client's reasons and beliefs for refusing effective analgesics; assessment and patient-centered dialogue precede notifying others or documenting only.

Question 48

A nurse states that she dislikes caring for African-American clients because "they're all so hostile." The nurse's statement is an example of?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: The statement applies a generalized negative trait to an entire group ("they're all so hostile"), which defines stereotyping. Discrimination involves actions, prejudice is a personal bias, and racism is belief in racial superiority.

Question 49

A client diagnosed with depression is scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy treatments (ECT). One hour before the first treatment is scheduled, he becomes anxious and states he does not wish to go through with ECT. Which of the following is the nurse's MOST appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Acknowledges the client's right to refuse and uses therapeutic communication to explore anxiety. Other options offer reassurance, minimize concerns, or take action without addressing feelings.

Question 50

The nurse is taking a health history from a Native American client. In order to be culturally sensitive when speaking to the client and family, the nurse MUST remember that eye contact is considered?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: In many Native American cultures, direct eye contact with strangers may be viewed as impolite or confrontational; culturally sensitive communication avoids direct eye contact.

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

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?

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

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

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

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?

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?

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

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?

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

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?

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

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?

Which description is applicable to therapeutic communication?

Which statement made by the nurse while communicating with an adolescent will reduce the effectiveness of communication?

A patient with a diagnosis of major depression who has attempted suicide says to the nurse, "I should have died! I've always been a failure. Nothing ever goes right for me." Which response demonstrates therapeutic communication?

When the community health nurse visits a patient at home, the patient states, "I haven’t slept the last couple of nights." Which response by the nurse illustrates a therapeutic communication response to this patient?

A patient experiencing disturbed thought processes believes that his food is has been poisoned. Which communication technique should the nurse use to encourage the patient to eat?

A patient diagnosed with terminal cancer says to the nurse “I’m going to die, and I wish my family would stop hoping for a cure! I get so angry when they carry on like this. After all, I’m the one who’s dying.” Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?

The nurse is preparing a patient for the termination phase of the nurse-patient relationship. The nurse prepares to implement which nursing task that is most appropriate for this phase?

The nurse uses a variety of therapeutic communication skills when working with patients. Which of the following is a therapeutic goal that can be accomplished through the use of therapeutic communication skills?

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?

A male client tells the nurse he was involved in a car accident while he was intoxicated. What would be the most therapeutic response from nurse Julia?

The nurse uses a variety of therapeutic communication skills when working with patients. Which of the following is a therapeutic goal that can be accomplished through the use of therapeutic communication skills?

Which one of the following goals of therapeutic communication would the nurse strive to attain first?

The patient expresses frustration that the doctor does not spend enough time with the patient when making rounds. The nurse replies, 'The doctors are very busy. What can I help you with?' The nurse incorporated which nontherapeutic technique in this response?

A patient asks the nurse what she should do about her cheating husband. The nurse replies, You should divorce him. You deserve better than that. The nurse used which communication technique?

The nurse says to the client, 'You become very anxious when we start talking about your drinking.' Which of the following techniques is the nurse using?

The nurse is sitting with a patient who is crying. After a few minutes the nurse places one hand on the patient's shoulder. Which of the following best describes the purpose of the nurse's touch with this patient?

While taking history from the patient the nurse is building trust by using therapeutic technique, in which phase nurse has to build trust?

Interviewing a patient with hearing impairment may require the nurse to do all of the following except?

Which of the following is an aspect of verbal communication?

Who described communication as the 'matrix for all thought and relationships between persons'?

Which of the following is characteristic of private relationships?

The client with cancer refuses to care for herself. Which action by the nurse would be best?

A nursing assistant asks the nurse manager to explain the beliefs of a Christian Scientist who refuses admission to the hospital following a motor vehicle accident. The BEST response emphasizes the importance to the believer of?

The nurse admits an elderly Mexican-American migrant worker following an accident in the fields. To facilitate communication, it is a PRIORITY for the nurse to?

A Hispanic client confides in the nurse that she is concerned that staff may give her newborn the "evil eye." The nurse should communicate to other personnel it is MOST important to?

A Hispanic client refuses emergency room treatment until a curandero is called. The nurse should understand that this person brings?

A client tells the nurse he is fearful of planned surgery because of evil thoughts about a family member. The BEST initial response by the nurse is to?

A nurse is using an interpreter to teach a client about home care. It is IMPORTANT for the nurse to?

Which response by the nurse would BEST assist the chemically impaired client to deal with issues of guilt?

When working with a client with paranoid personality disorder, which approach would the nurse use?

To obtain data for the nursing assessment, the nurse should?

A nurse arranges for a interpreter to facilitate communication between the health care team and a non-English speaking client. To promote therapeutic communication, the FIRST thing for the nurse to remember when working with an interpreter is to?

While conducting the initial physical assessment on a client who is a Vietnamese immigrant, the nurse notices small, circular, ecchymotic areas on the client's knees. The BEST action for the nurse to take is to?

A 65-year-old Hispanic-Latino client with prostate cancer rates his pain as a 6 on a 0-to-10 scale. He refuses all pain medication other than Motrin, which does not relieve his pain. The BEST action for the nurse to take is to?

A nurse states that she dislikes caring for African-American clients because "they're all so hostile." The nurse's statement is an example of?

A client diagnosed with depression is scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy treatments (ECT). One hour before the first treatment is scheduled, he becomes anxious and states he does not wish to go through with ECT. Which of the following is the nurse's MOST appropriate response?

The nurse is taking a health history from a Native American client. In order to be culturally sensitive when speaking to the client and family, the nurse MUST remember that eye contact is considered?

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