,NSG3180/NSG 3180 Exam 3 | Communication and
Teamwork | Galen College | Q & A | 2026/2027 Edition
(PDF)
1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the orientation phase of the nurse-
patient relationship?
A) To review the patient's chart in depth to identify potential problems
B) To introduce oneself, explain the nurse's role, and establish rapport
C) To begin exploring the patient's deep-seated emotional conflicts
D) To prepare the patient for termination of the relationship
Correct Answer: To introduce oneself, explain the nurse's role, and establish rapport
Rationale: The orientation phase sets the foundation by building trust, clarifying roles, and setting
mutual goals. Reviewing the chart occurs in the pre-interaction phase, deep exploration happens in the
working phase, and termination concludes the relationship.
2. A patient tells the nurse, "I just can't seem to do anything right anymore." The nurse responds,
"You're feeling pretty discouraged right now." This is an example of which therapeutic communication
technique?
A) Restating (paraphrasing)
B) Reflection of feeling (validation)
C) Exploring
D) Clarifying
Correct Answer: Reflection of feeling (validation)
Rationale: Reflection of feeling names the emotion the patient appears to be experiencing
("discouraged"). It shows empathy and validates the patient's emotional state. Restating repeats
content, clarifying asks for specificity, and exploring encourages elaboration.
,3. A nurse is meeting a patient for the first time on a medical-surgical unit. The nurse introduces herself,
explains her role, and asks the patient what name they prefer to be called. Which phase of the helping
relationship is this?
A) Pre-interaction phase
B) Orientation phase
C) Working phase
D) Termination phase
Correct Answer: Orientation phase
Rationale: The orientation phase includes introductions, establishing rapport, setting mutual goals, and
defining the purpose and boundaries of the relationship. Pre-interaction occurs before meeting the
patient, the working phase involves problem-solving, and the termination phase ends the relationship.
4. A patient states, "I don't know why I bother trying to eat. Nothing tastes good anymore." The nurse
responds, "You are feeling discouraged because your appetite is poor." This is an example of:
A) Restating (paraphrasing)
B) Reflection of feeling (validation)
C) Clarifying
D) Focusing
Correct Answer: Reflection of feeling (validation)
Rationale: Reflection of feeling names the emotion the patient appears to be experiencing
("discouraged"). It shows empathy and validates the patient's emotional state. Restating repeats
content, clarifying asks for specificity, and focusing narrows the topic.
5. The nurse says to a patient, "I'm not sure I understand what you mean. Can you explain that again?"
This is an example of:
A) Restating
B) Clarifying
C) Focusing
, D) Reflection
Correct Answer: Clarifying
Rationale: Clarifying is used when the patient's message is ambiguous, seeking to ensure accurate
understanding. It helps prevent misinterpretation and promotes effective communication.
6. A patient says, "The night nurse never answers my call light." The nurse responds, "Tell me exactly
what happened when you used your call light last night." This is an example of:
A) Exploring
B) False reassurance
C) Changing the subject
D) Defending
Correct Answer: Exploring
Rationale: Exploring encourages the patient to elaborate on a specific situation to gather objective
details. Defending would be saying "She is very busy," changing the subject avoids the issue, and false
reassurance would be "Everything will be fine".
7. A nurse is using the technique of summarizing. Which statement best reflects this technique?
A) "Tell me more about your pain."
B) "You seem anxious today."
C) "Let's review what we discussed: you are concerned about your surgery and want to know more
about the recovery process."
D) "What happened after you felt the dizziness?"
Correct Answer: "Let's review what we discussed: you are concerned about your surgery and want to
know more about the recovery process."
Teamwork | Galen College | Q & A | 2026/2027 Edition
(PDF)
1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the orientation phase of the nurse-
patient relationship?
A) To review the patient's chart in depth to identify potential problems
B) To introduce oneself, explain the nurse's role, and establish rapport
C) To begin exploring the patient's deep-seated emotional conflicts
D) To prepare the patient for termination of the relationship
Correct Answer: To introduce oneself, explain the nurse's role, and establish rapport
Rationale: The orientation phase sets the foundation by building trust, clarifying roles, and setting
mutual goals. Reviewing the chart occurs in the pre-interaction phase, deep exploration happens in the
working phase, and termination concludes the relationship.
2. A patient tells the nurse, "I just can't seem to do anything right anymore." The nurse responds,
"You're feeling pretty discouraged right now." This is an example of which therapeutic communication
technique?
A) Restating (paraphrasing)
B) Reflection of feeling (validation)
C) Exploring
D) Clarifying
Correct Answer: Reflection of feeling (validation)
Rationale: Reflection of feeling names the emotion the patient appears to be experiencing
("discouraged"). It shows empathy and validates the patient's emotional state. Restating repeats
content, clarifying asks for specificity, and exploring encourages elaboration.
,3. A nurse is meeting a patient for the first time on a medical-surgical unit. The nurse introduces herself,
explains her role, and asks the patient what name they prefer to be called. Which phase of the helping
relationship is this?
A) Pre-interaction phase
B) Orientation phase
C) Working phase
D) Termination phase
Correct Answer: Orientation phase
Rationale: The orientation phase includes introductions, establishing rapport, setting mutual goals, and
defining the purpose and boundaries of the relationship. Pre-interaction occurs before meeting the
patient, the working phase involves problem-solving, and the termination phase ends the relationship.
4. A patient states, "I don't know why I bother trying to eat. Nothing tastes good anymore." The nurse
responds, "You are feeling discouraged because your appetite is poor." This is an example of:
A) Restating (paraphrasing)
B) Reflection of feeling (validation)
C) Clarifying
D) Focusing
Correct Answer: Reflection of feeling (validation)
Rationale: Reflection of feeling names the emotion the patient appears to be experiencing
("discouraged"). It shows empathy and validates the patient's emotional state. Restating repeats
content, clarifying asks for specificity, and focusing narrows the topic.
5. The nurse says to a patient, "I'm not sure I understand what you mean. Can you explain that again?"
This is an example of:
A) Restating
B) Clarifying
C) Focusing
, D) Reflection
Correct Answer: Clarifying
Rationale: Clarifying is used when the patient's message is ambiguous, seeking to ensure accurate
understanding. It helps prevent misinterpretation and promotes effective communication.
6. A patient says, "The night nurse never answers my call light." The nurse responds, "Tell me exactly
what happened when you used your call light last night." This is an example of:
A) Exploring
B) False reassurance
C) Changing the subject
D) Defending
Correct Answer: Exploring
Rationale: Exploring encourages the patient to elaborate on a specific situation to gather objective
details. Defending would be saying "She is very busy," changing the subject avoids the issue, and false
reassurance would be "Everything will be fine".
7. A nurse is using the technique of summarizing. Which statement best reflects this technique?
A) "Tell me more about your pain."
B) "You seem anxious today."
C) "Let's review what we discussed: you are concerned about your surgery and want to know more
about the recovery process."
D) "What happened after you felt the dizziness?"
Correct Answer: "Let's review what we discussed: you are concerned about your surgery and want to
know more about the recovery process."
