Chapter 8

Question 1

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.

Answer 1

D. Making observations

Question 2

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.”

Answer 2

A. Restatement

Question 3

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?

Answer 3

C. Formulating a plan of action

Question 4

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

Answer 4

C. “Yes, I see. Go on.”

Question 5

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?

Answer 5

D. The nontherapeutic technique of “giving false reassurance”

Question 6

A client diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder is admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit for evaluation and medication stabilization. Which therapeutic communication technique used by the nurse is an example of a broad opening?

Answer 6

B. “What would you like to talk about?”

Question 7

A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with schizophrenia for the presence of hallucinations. Which therapeutic communication technique used by the nurse is an example of making observations?

Answer 7

A. “You appear to be talking to someone I do not see.”

Question 8

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

Answer 8

B. O

Question 9

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

Answer 9

C. “I noticed that you used the client’s name in your written process recording. That is a breach of confidentiality.”

Question 10

After assertiveness training, a formerly passive client appropriately confronts a peer in group therapy. The group leader states, “I’m so proud of you for being assertive. You are so good!” Which communication technique has the leader employed?

Answer 10

A. The nontherapeutic technique of giving approval

Question 11

What is the purpose of a nurse providing appropriate feedback?

Answer 11

D. To give the client critical information

Question 12

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?

Answer 12

D. “During group, you raised your voice, yelled at a peer, and slammed the door.”

Question 13

A client diagnosed with dependent personality disorder states, “Do you think I should move from my parent’s house and get a job?” Which nursing response is most appropriate?

Answer 13

C. “Let’s discuss and explore all of your options.”

Question 14

When interviewing a client, which nonverbal behavior should a nurse employ?

Answer 14

C. Sitting squarely, facing the client

Question 15

A mother rescues two of her four children from a house fire. In an emergency department, she cries, “I should have gone back in to get them. I should have died, not them.” Which of the following responses by the nurse is an example of reflection?

Answer 15

B. “You’re feeling guilty because you weren’t able to save your children.”

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?

Answer 16

D. “Let’s figure out a way for you to attend unit activities and still wash your hands.”

Question 17

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

Answer 17

A. “We’ve discussed past coping skills. Let’s see if these coping skills can be effective now.”

Question 18

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?

Answer 18

D. “You feel that your mother does not want you to come back home?”

Question 19

A client’s younger daughter is ignoring curfew. The client states, “I’m afraid she will get pregnant.” The nurse responds, “Hang in there. Don’t you think she has a lot to learn about life?” This is an example of which communication block?

Answer 19

C. Making stereotyped comments

Question 20

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

Answer 20

C. “I notice you are wearing a new dress and you have washed your hair.”

Question 21

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

Answer 21

A. “You seem to be motivated to change your behavior.”

Question 22

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?

Answer 22

C. To explore a subject, idea, experience, or relationship

Question 23

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?

Answer 23

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

Question 24

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?

Answer 24

A. “Touch carries a different meaning for different individuals.”

Question 25

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

Answer 25

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

Question 26

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?

Answer 26

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

Question 27

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

Answer 27

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

Question 28

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?

Answer 28

C. “You’ve been feeling sad and alone for some time now?”

Question 29

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

Answer 29

A. “Can you tell me why you said that?”

Question 30

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?

Answer 30

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

Question 31

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

Answer 31

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

Question 32

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

Answer 32

B. “Would you like me to accompany you to your electroconvulsive therapy treatment?”

Question 33

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?

Answer 33

B. Verbalizing the implied and the defense mechanism of denial

Question 34

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

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

Answer 34

A, B, C, D