Nontherapeutic Technique Flashcards
Minimizing Feelings
Indicates that the nurse is unable to understand or emphasize with the patient. Here the patient’s feelings or experiences are being belittled, which can cause the patient to feel small or insignificant.
Ex. Patient: “I wish I were dead.” Nurse: Everyone gets down in the dumps.”
Solution: emphasizing and exploring
Falsely Reassuring
Underrated a person’s feelings and belittles a person’s concerns. May cause the patient to stop sharing feelings if the patient thinks he or she will be ridiculed or not taken seriously.
Ex. “I wouldn’t worry about that.”
Solution: clarifying the patient’s message
Making Value Judgments
Prevents problem solving. Can make the patient feel guilty, angry, misunderstood, not supported, or anxious to leave.
Ex. “How come you still smoke when your wife has lung cancer?”
Solution: making observations
Asking Why Questions
Implies criticism, often has the effect of making the patient feel defensive.
Ex. “Why did you stop taking your medication?”
Solution: asking open-ended questions/giving a broad opening
Giving Approval/Agreeing
Implies that the patient is doing right. May lead the patient to focus on pleasing the nurse or clinician; denies the patient the opportunity to change his or her mind or decision.
Ex. “I’m proud of you for applying for that job.”
Solution: making observations and/or asking open-ended questions
Disapproving/Disagreeing
Can make a person defensive.
Ex. “You really should have shown up for the medication group.” “I disagree with that.”
Solution: exploring
Changing the Subject
May invalidate the patient’s feelings and needs. Can leave the patient feeling alienated and isolated and increase feelings of hopelessness.
Ex. Patient “I’d like to die.” Nurse, “Did you go to Alcoholics Anonymous like we discussed?”
Solution: validating and exploring
Giving Premature Advice
Assumes the nurse knows best and the patient can’t think for self. Inhibits problem solving and fosters dependency.
Ex.”Get out of this situation immediately.”
Solution: Encourage problem solving
