Galen College NSG 3180 Exam 1 (pdf) | 2026/2027 | Communication
& Teamwork Q&A | Nursing
1. A nurse is meeting a patient for the first time and states, "My name is
Sarah, and I will be your nurse today." This interaction occurs in which phase
of the helping relationship?
A) Pre-interaction
B) Orientation
C) Working
D) Termination
Correct Answer: Orientation
Rationale: The orientation phase is the introductory period where the nurse
and patient establish trust, set expectations, and define the parameters of
their professional relationship. During this phase, the nurse introduces
themselves and explains their role. The pre-interaction phase occurs before
meeting the patient, the working phase involves active problem-solving, and
the termination phase involves ending the relationship.
2. During the termination phase of the nurse-patient relationship, the nurse
should:
A) Abruptly end the relationship without discussion
B) Summarize progress, discuss feelings about ending, and reinforce coping
strategies
C) Introduce new problems to continue the relationship
D) Increase the patient's dependence on the nurse
Correct Answer: Summarize progress, discuss feelings about ending, and
reinforce coping strategies
,Rationale: The termination phase is a planned and therapeutic process where
the nurse summarizes the patient's achievements, allows expression of
feelings about the relationship's end, and ensures the patient has resources
and coping strategies for the future. Abruptly ending the relationship or
fostering dependence is harmful and nontherapeutic.
3. A patient states, "I am afraid of the surgery tomorrow." The nurse
responds, "You are feeling afraid about your surgery." This response is an
example of which therapeutic communication technique?
A) Clarifying
B) Restating
C) Summarizing
D) Focusing
Correct Answer: Restating
Rationale: Restating (or paraphrasing) involves repeating the patient's
message in the nurse's own words to confirm understanding. It demonstrates
active listening and encourages the patient to elaborate on their feelings.
Clarifying seeks to understand vague statements, summarizing reviews main
points, and focusing narrows the conversation to a specific topic.
4. A nurse is speaking with a patient who appears anxious. Which statement
demonstrates the therapeutic technique of reflecting?
A) "Tell me more about your chest pain."
B) "You seem worried. Is that what you're feeling?"
C) "I think you should talk to the doctor."
D) "Don't worry, everything will be fine."
Correct Answer: "You seem worried. Is that what you're feeling?"
,Rationale: Reflection helps patients recognize and explore their own
emotions. By observing and verbalizing the patient's apparent emotional
state, the nurse validates their feelings and encourages further discussion.
"Tell me more..." is exploring, advising is nontherapeutic, and false
reassurance dismisses the patient's feelings.
5. A nurse says, "What happened after you felt the dizziness?" Which
therapeutic communication technique is this?
A) Focusing
B) Restating
C) General lead
D) Summarizing
Correct Answer: Focusing
Rationale: Focusing is used to narrow the conversation to a specific topic or
event. The nurse is directing the patient to discuss a particular detail about
their symptom. A general lead would be a neutral statement like "Go on..." to
encourage the patient to continue speaking.
6. Which of the following is a non-therapeutic communication technique?
A) Silence
B) Restating
C) Giving approval
D) Clarifying
Correct Answer: Giving approval
, Rationale: Giving approval or disapproval implies judgment and suggests
that the nurse is evaluating the patient's behavior or choices. This can hinder
open communication and create a power imbalance. Silence, restating, and
clarifying are all therapeutic techniques that facilitate patient expression.
7. A patient states, "I don't want to live anymore." The nurse responds,
"Don't say that." This response is an example of which non-therapeutic
technique?
A) Reassuring
B) Advising
C) Blocking
D) Exploring
Correct Answer: Blocking
Rationale: Blocking is a non-therapeutic technique that shuts down
communication and prevents the patient from expressing their feelings. In
this instance, the nurse's response dismisses the patient's statement instead
of exploring the potential risk of self-harm. A therapeutic response would
involve directly assessing the patient's safety.
8. A patient with a history of verbal aggression yells, "You never help me!"
Which assertive response is most appropriate?
A) "You're being unreasonable."
B) "I understand you're upset. Let's talk calmly."
C) "If you yell again, I'll leave."
D) "Why are you always so angry?"
Correct Answer: "I understand you're upset. Let's talk calmly."
& Teamwork Q&A | Nursing
1. A nurse is meeting a patient for the first time and states, "My name is
Sarah, and I will be your nurse today." This interaction occurs in which phase
of the helping relationship?
A) Pre-interaction
B) Orientation
C) Working
D) Termination
Correct Answer: Orientation
Rationale: The orientation phase is the introductory period where the nurse
and patient establish trust, set expectations, and define the parameters of
their professional relationship. During this phase, the nurse introduces
themselves and explains their role. The pre-interaction phase occurs before
meeting the patient, the working phase involves active problem-solving, and
the termination phase involves ending the relationship.
2. During the termination phase of the nurse-patient relationship, the nurse
should:
A) Abruptly end the relationship without discussion
B) Summarize progress, discuss feelings about ending, and reinforce coping
strategies
C) Introduce new problems to continue the relationship
D) Increase the patient's dependence on the nurse
Correct Answer: Summarize progress, discuss feelings about ending, and
reinforce coping strategies
,Rationale: The termination phase is a planned and therapeutic process where
the nurse summarizes the patient's achievements, allows expression of
feelings about the relationship's end, and ensures the patient has resources
and coping strategies for the future. Abruptly ending the relationship or
fostering dependence is harmful and nontherapeutic.
3. A patient states, "I am afraid of the surgery tomorrow." The nurse
responds, "You are feeling afraid about your surgery." This response is an
example of which therapeutic communication technique?
A) Clarifying
B) Restating
C) Summarizing
D) Focusing
Correct Answer: Restating
Rationale: Restating (or paraphrasing) involves repeating the patient's
message in the nurse's own words to confirm understanding. It demonstrates
active listening and encourages the patient to elaborate on their feelings.
Clarifying seeks to understand vague statements, summarizing reviews main
points, and focusing narrows the conversation to a specific topic.
4. A nurse is speaking with a patient who appears anxious. Which statement
demonstrates the therapeutic technique of reflecting?
A) "Tell me more about your chest pain."
B) "You seem worried. Is that what you're feeling?"
C) "I think you should talk to the doctor."
D) "Don't worry, everything will be fine."
Correct Answer: "You seem worried. Is that what you're feeling?"
,Rationale: Reflection helps patients recognize and explore their own
emotions. By observing and verbalizing the patient's apparent emotional
state, the nurse validates their feelings and encourages further discussion.
"Tell me more..." is exploring, advising is nontherapeutic, and false
reassurance dismisses the patient's feelings.
5. A nurse says, "What happened after you felt the dizziness?" Which
therapeutic communication technique is this?
A) Focusing
B) Restating
C) General lead
D) Summarizing
Correct Answer: Focusing
Rationale: Focusing is used to narrow the conversation to a specific topic or
event. The nurse is directing the patient to discuss a particular detail about
their symptom. A general lead would be a neutral statement like "Go on..." to
encourage the patient to continue speaking.
6. Which of the following is a non-therapeutic communication technique?
A) Silence
B) Restating
C) Giving approval
D) Clarifying
Correct Answer: Giving approval
, Rationale: Giving approval or disapproval implies judgment and suggests
that the nurse is evaluating the patient's behavior or choices. This can hinder
open communication and create a power imbalance. Silence, restating, and
clarifying are all therapeutic techniques that facilitate patient expression.
7. A patient states, "I don't want to live anymore." The nurse responds,
"Don't say that." This response is an example of which non-therapeutic
technique?
A) Reassuring
B) Advising
C) Blocking
D) Exploring
Correct Answer: Blocking
Rationale: Blocking is a non-therapeutic technique that shuts down
communication and prevents the patient from expressing their feelings. In
this instance, the nurse's response dismisses the patient's statement instead
of exploring the potential risk of self-harm. A therapeutic response would
involve directly assessing the patient's safety.
8. A patient with a history of verbal aggression yells, "You never help me!"
Which assertive response is most appropriate?
A) "You're being unreasonable."
B) "I understand you're upset. Let's talk calmly."
C) "If you yell again, I'll leave."
D) "Why are you always so angry?"
Correct Answer: "I understand you're upset. Let's talk calmly."
