PN 2002 Mock Practice Quiz: Communication Techniques,
Cognitive Processes, and Conflict Resolution | Questions and
Answers with Rationale | New Update 2026-2027
SECTION A: COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES (Questions 1-10)
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is visually impaired. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take to enhance communication with this client?
A) Speak loudly and slowly to ensure the client can hear
B) Touch the client's arm before speaking to alert them of the nurse's presence
C) Avoid using any hand gestures during conversation
D) Stand at the doorway to maintain professional boundaries
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For clients with visual impairments, it is appropriate to gently touch
the client's arm or use verbal identification to alert them of the nurse's presence
before speaking. This prevents startling the client and establishes a connection.
Speaking loudly (A) is not indicated unless the client also has a hearing
impairment. Hand gestures (C) can still be used but must be accompanied by
verbal descriptions. Standing at the doorway (D) may make it difficult for the client
to hear and does not facilitate effective communication.
2. Which of the following is an example of a therapeutic communication
technique?
A) "Why did you decide not to take your medication today?"
B) "I understand exactly how you feel right now."
C) "Tell me more about what happened when you tried to discuss this with your
family."
D) "You should really try to be more positive about your situation."
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: "Tell me more about what happened" is an example of the therapeutic
technique of exploring or encouraging elaboration, which invites the client to
share more information. Option A uses a "why" question, which can feel
accusatory and put the client on the defensive. Option B is false reassurance and
suggests the nurse knows exactly how the client feels, which is not possible.
Option D is giving advice, which is generally nontherapeutic and implies the
client's feelings are invalid.
3. A client tells the nurse, "I don't think I can handle this surgery. I'm so scared."
Which of the following responses by the nurse demonstrates the therapeutic
technique of reflection?
A) "Many people feel scared before surgery. It's a normal reaction."
B) "You're feeling scared about the surgery?"
C) "What is it about the surgery that scares you the most?"
D) "I know this is difficult, but you're in good hands with your surgeon."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reflection involves repeating or paraphrasing the client's statement
back to them, often focusing on the emotional content. By saying "You're feeling
scared about the surgery?" the nurse validates the client's feelings and
encourages further expression. Option A is normalizing but does not reflect the
client's specific feeling back to them. Option C is exploring, which is therapeutic
but is not reflection. Option D is false reassurance and dismisses the client's fear.
4. The nurse is communicating with a client who is demonstrating anxiety.
Which of the following non-verbal behaviors would the nurse expect to
observe?
, A) Relaxed facial muscles and steady eye contact
B) Rapid speech and fidgeting with hands
C) Slow, deliberate movements and calm voice
D) Leaning forward with open posture
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anxiety often manifests non-verbally through rapid speech, fidgeting,
restlessness, increased muscle tension, and avoiding eye contact. Options A, C,
and D describe behaviors more consistent with a relaxed or calm state.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who speaks a different language. An interpreter is
not immediately available. Which of the following actions should the nurse
take?
A) Speak loudly and use simple English words
B) Use gestures and pictures to communicate basic needs
C) Wait silently until an interpreter arrives and avoid all communication
D) Ask the client's family member to interpret
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When an interpreter is not available, the nurse should
use gestures, pictures, and written materials in the client's language when
possible to communicate basic needs. Speaking loudly (A) does not improve
understanding. Avoiding all communication (C) is not appropriate; basic needs
should still be addressed. Using a family member (D) should be avoided when
possible as it compromises confidentiality and may introduce bias or inaccuracies,
though it may be used as a last resort with the client's permission.
6. Which of the following is a barrier to effective communication between a
nurse and client?
Cognitive Processes, and Conflict Resolution | Questions and
Answers with Rationale | New Update 2026-2027
SECTION A: COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES (Questions 1-10)
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is visually impaired. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take to enhance communication with this client?
A) Speak loudly and slowly to ensure the client can hear
B) Touch the client's arm before speaking to alert them of the nurse's presence
C) Avoid using any hand gestures during conversation
D) Stand at the doorway to maintain professional boundaries
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For clients with visual impairments, it is appropriate to gently touch
the client's arm or use verbal identification to alert them of the nurse's presence
before speaking. This prevents startling the client and establishes a connection.
Speaking loudly (A) is not indicated unless the client also has a hearing
impairment. Hand gestures (C) can still be used but must be accompanied by
verbal descriptions. Standing at the doorway (D) may make it difficult for the client
to hear and does not facilitate effective communication.
2. Which of the following is an example of a therapeutic communication
technique?
A) "Why did you decide not to take your medication today?"
B) "I understand exactly how you feel right now."
C) "Tell me more about what happened when you tried to discuss this with your
family."
D) "You should really try to be more positive about your situation."
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: "Tell me more about what happened" is an example of the therapeutic
technique of exploring or encouraging elaboration, which invites the client to
share more information. Option A uses a "why" question, which can feel
accusatory and put the client on the defensive. Option B is false reassurance and
suggests the nurse knows exactly how the client feels, which is not possible.
Option D is giving advice, which is generally nontherapeutic and implies the
client's feelings are invalid.
3. A client tells the nurse, "I don't think I can handle this surgery. I'm so scared."
Which of the following responses by the nurse demonstrates the therapeutic
technique of reflection?
A) "Many people feel scared before surgery. It's a normal reaction."
B) "You're feeling scared about the surgery?"
C) "What is it about the surgery that scares you the most?"
D) "I know this is difficult, but you're in good hands with your surgeon."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reflection involves repeating or paraphrasing the client's statement
back to them, often focusing on the emotional content. By saying "You're feeling
scared about the surgery?" the nurse validates the client's feelings and
encourages further expression. Option A is normalizing but does not reflect the
client's specific feeling back to them. Option C is exploring, which is therapeutic
but is not reflection. Option D is false reassurance and dismisses the client's fear.
4. The nurse is communicating with a client who is demonstrating anxiety.
Which of the following non-verbal behaviors would the nurse expect to
observe?
, A) Relaxed facial muscles and steady eye contact
B) Rapid speech and fidgeting with hands
C) Slow, deliberate movements and calm voice
D) Leaning forward with open posture
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anxiety often manifests non-verbally through rapid speech, fidgeting,
restlessness, increased muscle tension, and avoiding eye contact. Options A, C,
and D describe behaviors more consistent with a relaxed or calm state.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who speaks a different language. An interpreter is
not immediately available. Which of the following actions should the nurse
take?
A) Speak loudly and use simple English words
B) Use gestures and pictures to communicate basic needs
C) Wait silently until an interpreter arrives and avoid all communication
D) Ask the client's family member to interpret
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When an interpreter is not available, the nurse should
use gestures, pictures, and written materials in the client's language when
possible to communicate basic needs. Speaking loudly (A) does not improve
understanding. Avoiding all communication (C) is not appropriate; basic needs
should still be addressed. Using a family member (D) should be avoided when
possible as it compromises confidentiality and may introduce bias or inaccuracies,
though it may be used as a last resort with the client's permission.
6. Which of the following is a barrier to effective communication between a
nurse and client?
