NUR 312 PSYCH MIDTERM EXAM -Questions &
Answers
THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION: What it is:
A purposeful way of talking with patients to help them:
Understand themselves
Express feelings
Improve mental health
👉 It is NOT about the nurse — it's about the patient
THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION: Goals
Build trust
Reduce anxiety
Help patient cope
Support healing
THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION: Good Techniques
Active listening → really paying attention
Open-ended questions → "How are you feeling?" (not yes/no)
Reflection → repeating feelings back
Silence → gives patient time to think
Clarification → "Can you explain more?"
THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION: Best responses
, Acknowledge feelings ("That sounds really hard")
Stay present
Use silence when needed
THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION: Avoid
❌ Asking "WHY" (feels judgmental)
❌ Giving advice
❌ False reassurance ("Everything will be fine")
❌ Arguing with delusions
What is the general rule regarding patient information?
Keep patient info PRIVATE
What is one exception to confidentiality when you must report?
Patient wants to hurt self or others
What is another exception to confidentiality that requires reporting?
Abuse (child, elder, dependent adult)
What is a legal reason that requires reporting patient information?
Court order
What is the key idea regarding confidentiality and safety?
Safety > confidentiality
What is the definition of negligence in nursing?
Answers
THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION: What it is:
A purposeful way of talking with patients to help them:
Understand themselves
Express feelings
Improve mental health
👉 It is NOT about the nurse — it's about the patient
THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION: Goals
Build trust
Reduce anxiety
Help patient cope
Support healing
THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION: Good Techniques
Active listening → really paying attention
Open-ended questions → "How are you feeling?" (not yes/no)
Reflection → repeating feelings back
Silence → gives patient time to think
Clarification → "Can you explain more?"
THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION: Best responses
, Acknowledge feelings ("That sounds really hard")
Stay present
Use silence when needed
THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION: Avoid
❌ Asking "WHY" (feels judgmental)
❌ Giving advice
❌ False reassurance ("Everything will be fine")
❌ Arguing with delusions
What is the general rule regarding patient information?
Keep patient info PRIVATE
What is one exception to confidentiality when you must report?
Patient wants to hurt self or others
What is another exception to confidentiality that requires reporting?
Abuse (child, elder, dependent adult)
What is a legal reason that requires reporting patient information?
Court order
What is the key idea regarding confidentiality and safety?
Safety > confidentiality
What is the definition of negligence in nursing?
