Non-Therapeutic Communication Techniques

Question 1

Giving False Reassurance

Answer 1

false reassurance conveys that the nurse already knows the outcome and minimizes the patient’s concerns

Question 2

Rejecting

Answer 2

refusing to consider it showing contempt for patient’s ideas or behaviors may cause patient to discontinue interactions with nurse

Question 3

Approving or Disapproving

Answer 3

sanctioning of denouncing patient’s ideas or behaviors implies that a nurse’s role is to pass judgment on whether the patient’s behavior is good or bad

Question 4

Agreeing or Disagreeing

Answer 4

indicating accord or opposition to patient’s ideas or opinions implies that the nurse has the right to pass judgment

Question 5

Giving Advice

Answer 5

telling patient what to do or how to behave implies that there nurse knows what is best and nurtures the patient in the dependent role by discouraging independent thinking

Question 6

Probing

Answer 6

persistent questioning of the patient and pushing for answers to issues the patient does not wish to talk about may make the patient feel that they are only being used for information

Question 7

Defending

Answer 7

defending something a patient has criticized minimizes or completely ignores the patient’s feelings

Question 8

Requesting an Explanation

Answer 8

involves asking why questions that implies that the patient must defend his or her behavior or feelings

Question 9

Indicating the Existence of an External Source of Power

Answer 9

attributing source of thoughts and behavior to something other than the patient encourages them to project blame unto others

Question 10

Belittling Feelings Expressed

Answer 10

when nurse minimizes degree of patient’s discomfort, a loan of empathy and understanding may be conveyed

Question 11

Making Stereotypical Comments

Answer 11

trite, meaningless expressions that encourages a similar response from the patient

Question 12

Using Denial

Answer 12

denying that a problem exists blocks discussion with the patient and avoids helping the patient identify and explore areas of difficulty

Question 13

Interpreting

Answer 13

interpreting attempts to tell the patient the meaning of their experiences

Question 14

Introducing an Unrelated Topic

Answer 14

when the nurse prematurely changes the topic, it conveys that the nurse is not interested in further exploring the original topic