(2026) Q&A | Galen College
1. A nurse tells a patient, "Give me your arm; I'm going to take your blood
pressure." This is an example of:
A) Two-way communication
B) Therapeutic communication
C) One-way communication
D) Nonverbal communication
Correct Answer: One-way communication
Rationale: One-way communication is sender-directed without seeking
feedback. The nurse is issuing a directive rather than inviting a response. Two-
way communication involves dialogue, therapeutic communication is patient-
centered, and nonverbal communication is unspoken cues.
2. A patient asks a nurse about a procedure and the nurse provides a detailed
explanation, then asks, "What questions do you have for me?" This is an
example of:
A) One-way communication
B) Two-way communication
C) Non-therapeutic communication
D) Blocking
Correct Answer: Two-way communication
,Rationale: Two-way communication involves an exchange where both parties
contribute, with the nurse inviting feedback. This fosters understanding and
collaboration. One-way communication is directive, blocking shuts down
conversation, and non-therapeutic hinders the relationship.
3. A nurse's clothing, posture, and facial expression are components of which
type of communication?
A) Verbal
B) Written
C) Affective
D) Nonverbal
Correct Answer: Nonverbal
Rationale: Nonverbal communication encompasses physical appearance,
posture, facial expressions, gestures, and eye contact. These cues convey
powerful messages. Verbal communication uses words, written uses text, and
affective relates to emotions expressed verbally or nonverbally.
4. A patient states, "I am afraid I will not wake up from surgery." The nurse
responds, "It sounds like you are feeling anxious about the procedure." This is
an example of:
A) Clarification
B) Reflection
C) Blocking
D) Giving false reassurance
, Correct Answer: Reflection
Rationale: Reflection restates the patient's expressed feeling to validate their
emotion and encourage deeper exploration. Clarification asks for more
information, blocking dismisses the concern, and false reassurance minimizes
the patient's fear.
5. A patient is being discharged and tells the nurse, "I'm not sure I can manage
all these medications." The nurse replies, "You'll be fine, don't worry." This
response is:
A) Therapeutic communication
B) False reassurance
C) Active listening
D) Empathy
Correct Answer: False reassurance
Rationale: False reassurance dismisses the patient's valid concern with an
empty platitude, blocking further discussion. Therapeutic communication would
explore the concern, active listening would acknowledge it, and empathy would
validate the feeling.
6. The nurse asks the patient, "What makes the pain better or worse?" This is an
example of which communication technique?
A) Closed-ended question
B) Open-ended question
C) Blocking