Therapeutic & Non-Therapeutic
Communication Techniques Questions
and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026
| Correct & Verified
A client says, “I’m so anxious about tomorrow’s test.” What is a therapeutic response?
✔✔ "You’re feeling anxious. Would talking about it help?"
A nurse responds, “You’ll be fine, don’t worry.” What communication technique is this?
✔✔ Non-therapeutic: False reassurance.
When a nurse says, “Tell me more about that,” what communication technique is being used?
✔✔ Therapeutic: Exploring.
A client says, “I feel like I’m losing control.” What is a non-therapeutic response?
✔✔ "Everyone feels that way sometimes."
What is the therapeutic technique when a nurse says, “That must be very difficult for you”?
✔✔ Therapeutic: Empathy.
1
,A client is silent for a few minutes. The nurse remains quietly seated. What technique is this?
✔✔ Therapeutic: Using silence.
A nurse asks, “Why did you stop taking your medication?” What kind of technique is that?
✔✔ Non-therapeutic: Asking "why" questions (can feel accusatory).
A nurse says, “I think you should tell your family how you feel.” What is this an example of?
✔✔ Non-therapeutic: Giving advice.
A client says, “I can’t handle all of this pain.” The nurse responds, “You’ve been through a lot.”
What technique is that?
✔✔ Therapeutic: Validation.
The nurse says, “Let’s look at this one step at a time.” What type of communication is this?
✔✔ Therapeutic: Providing structure and support.
A nurse responds, “What makes you think that way?” What kind of technique is that?
2
, ✔✔ Therapeutic: Encouraging expression.
When a nurse changes the subject abruptly, what technique is this?
✔✔ Non-therapeutic: Changing the subject.
The nurse says, “Go on,” after the client pauses. What communication technique is this?
✔✔ Therapeutic: Offering general leads.
A client says, “I’m scared,” and the nurse replies, “Don’t be silly.” What type of response is this?
✔✔ Non-therapeutic: Belittling the client’s feelings.
A nurse says, “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed.” What technique is used here?
✔✔ Therapeutic: Reflection.
A nurse says, “You need to calm down.” What kind of communication is this?
✔✔ Non-therapeutic: Commanding or ordering.
A client says, “I don’t think my life matters.” What is a therapeutic response?
3
Communication Techniques Questions
and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026
| Correct & Verified
A client says, “I’m so anxious about tomorrow’s test.” What is a therapeutic response?
✔✔ "You’re feeling anxious. Would talking about it help?"
A nurse responds, “You’ll be fine, don’t worry.” What communication technique is this?
✔✔ Non-therapeutic: False reassurance.
When a nurse says, “Tell me more about that,” what communication technique is being used?
✔✔ Therapeutic: Exploring.
A client says, “I feel like I’m losing control.” What is a non-therapeutic response?
✔✔ "Everyone feels that way sometimes."
What is the therapeutic technique when a nurse says, “That must be very difficult for you”?
✔✔ Therapeutic: Empathy.
1
,A client is silent for a few minutes. The nurse remains quietly seated. What technique is this?
✔✔ Therapeutic: Using silence.
A nurse asks, “Why did you stop taking your medication?” What kind of technique is that?
✔✔ Non-therapeutic: Asking "why" questions (can feel accusatory).
A nurse says, “I think you should tell your family how you feel.” What is this an example of?
✔✔ Non-therapeutic: Giving advice.
A client says, “I can’t handle all of this pain.” The nurse responds, “You’ve been through a lot.”
What technique is that?
✔✔ Therapeutic: Validation.
The nurse says, “Let’s look at this one step at a time.” What type of communication is this?
✔✔ Therapeutic: Providing structure and support.
A nurse responds, “What makes you think that way?” What kind of technique is that?
2
, ✔✔ Therapeutic: Encouraging expression.
When a nurse changes the subject abruptly, what technique is this?
✔✔ Non-therapeutic: Changing the subject.
The nurse says, “Go on,” after the client pauses. What communication technique is this?
✔✔ Therapeutic: Offering general leads.
A client says, “I’m scared,” and the nurse replies, “Don’t be silly.” What type of response is this?
✔✔ Non-therapeutic: Belittling the client’s feelings.
A nurse says, “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed.” What technique is used here?
✔✔ Therapeutic: Reflection.
A nurse says, “You need to calm down.” What kind of communication is this?
✔✔ Non-therapeutic: Commanding or ordering.
A client says, “I don’t think my life matters.” What is a therapeutic response?
3
