ATI Mental Health: Therapeutic Communication Exam 1 Study Guide
2026 |Questions |Answers |Rationales
1. Which technique is being used when a nurse says, ‘You say you are feeling
nervous about the procedure, is that correct?’
A. Reflecting
B. Summarizing
C. Focusing
D. Clarifying
Answer: D
Rationale: Clarifying is used to ensure the nurse has accurately understood the patient’s
message by asking for validation.
2. A patient states, ‘I don’t think I can handle being alone at home.’ The nurse
responds, ‘You are worried about how you will manage after discharge?’ This is
an example of:
A. Offering self
B. Giving advice
C. Exploring
D. Restating
Answer: D
Rationale: Restating involves repeating the main idea of what the patient has said to let
them know they are being heard.
,3. Which phase of the nurse-client relationship involves the nurse and client
identifying goals and discussing expectations?
A. Pre-interaction phase
B. Termination phase
C. Working phase
D. Orientation phase
Answer: D
Rationale: The orientation phase is where the nurse and client meet, build rapport, and
establish goals and expectations.
4. A nurse tells a patient, ‘Everything will be fine, don’t worry.’ This is an
example of which non-therapeutic barrier?
A. Giving broad openings
B. False reassurance
C. Giving recognition
D. Accepting
Answer: B
Rationale: False reassurance devalues the patient’s feelings and may discourage further
expression of anxiety.
5. When a patient begins to attribute feelings they have toward a significant
person in their life to the nurse, it is known as:
A. Transference
B. Countertransference
C. Resistance
D. Boundary crossing
Answer: A
Rationale: Transference is the unconscious displacement of feelings for significant others
onto the healthcare provider.
, 6. During the working phase of a therapeutic relationship, the nurse should
focus on:
A. Setting the contract
B. Facilitating behavioral change
C. Establishing rapport
D. Evaluating goal achievement
Answer: B
Rationale: The working phase is dedicated to problem-solving, exploring stressors, and
promoting behavioral changes.
7. A nurse asks, ‘Tell me more about how that made you feel.’ This is an
example of:
A. Focusing
B. Restating
C. Exploring
D. Validating
Answer: C
Rationale: Exploring allows the nurse to delve deeper into a subject, idea, or experience to
gain more information.
8. Which of the following is a key component of active listening?
A. Looking at the computer screen while talking
B. Maintaining an open posture
C. Completing the patient’s sentences
D. Standing above the patient
Answer: B
Rationale: An open posture (S in SOLER) communicates interest and openness to the
patient’s message.
2026 |Questions |Answers |Rationales
1. Which technique is being used when a nurse says, ‘You say you are feeling
nervous about the procedure, is that correct?’
A. Reflecting
B. Summarizing
C. Focusing
D. Clarifying
Answer: D
Rationale: Clarifying is used to ensure the nurse has accurately understood the patient’s
message by asking for validation.
2. A patient states, ‘I don’t think I can handle being alone at home.’ The nurse
responds, ‘You are worried about how you will manage after discharge?’ This is
an example of:
A. Offering self
B. Giving advice
C. Exploring
D. Restating
Answer: D
Rationale: Restating involves repeating the main idea of what the patient has said to let
them know they are being heard.
,3. Which phase of the nurse-client relationship involves the nurse and client
identifying goals and discussing expectations?
A. Pre-interaction phase
B. Termination phase
C. Working phase
D. Orientation phase
Answer: D
Rationale: The orientation phase is where the nurse and client meet, build rapport, and
establish goals and expectations.
4. A nurse tells a patient, ‘Everything will be fine, don’t worry.’ This is an
example of which non-therapeutic barrier?
A. Giving broad openings
B. False reassurance
C. Giving recognition
D. Accepting
Answer: B
Rationale: False reassurance devalues the patient’s feelings and may discourage further
expression of anxiety.
5. When a patient begins to attribute feelings they have toward a significant
person in their life to the nurse, it is known as:
A. Transference
B. Countertransference
C. Resistance
D. Boundary crossing
Answer: A
Rationale: Transference is the unconscious displacement of feelings for significant others
onto the healthcare provider.
, 6. During the working phase of a therapeutic relationship, the nurse should
focus on:
A. Setting the contract
B. Facilitating behavioral change
C. Establishing rapport
D. Evaluating goal achievement
Answer: B
Rationale: The working phase is dedicated to problem-solving, exploring stressors, and
promoting behavioral changes.
7. A nurse asks, ‘Tell me more about how that made you feel.’ This is an
example of:
A. Focusing
B. Restating
C. Exploring
D. Validating
Answer: C
Rationale: Exploring allows the nurse to delve deeper into a subject, idea, or experience to
gain more information.
8. Which of the following is a key component of active listening?
A. Looking at the computer screen while talking
B. Maintaining an open posture
C. Completing the patient’s sentences
D. Standing above the patient
Answer: B
Rationale: An open posture (S in SOLER) communicates interest and openness to the
patient’s message.
