Chapter 7. Therapeutic Communication
Multiple Choice
1. Which therapeutic communication technique is being used in this nurseclient
interaction? Client: When I get angry, I get into a fistfight with my wife or I take it out on
the kids. Nurse: I notice that you are smiling as you talk about this physical violence.
A. Encouraging comparison
B. Exploring
C. Formulating a plan of action
D. Making observations
ANS: D
The nurse is using the therapeutic communication technique of making observations
when noting that the client smiles when talking about physical violence. The technique
of making observations encourages the client to compare personal perceptions with
those of the nurse.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation |
Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
2. Which therapeutic communication technique is being used in this nurseclient
interaction?
Client: My father spanked me often.
,Nurse: Your father was a harsh disciplinarian. A. Restatement
B. Offering general leads
C. Focusing D. Accepting ANS: A
The nurse is using the therapeutic communication technique of restatement.
Restatement involves repeating the main idea of what the client has said. The nurse
uses this technique to communicate that the clients statement has been heard and
understood.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation |
Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
3. Which therapeutic communication technique is being used in this nurseclient
interaction?
Client: When I am anxious, the only thing that calms me down is alcohol.
Nurse: Other than drinking, what alternatives have you explored to decrease anxiety? A.
Reflecting
B. Making observations
C. Formulating a plan of action
D. Giving recognition
ANS: C
, The nurse is using the therapeutic communication technique of formulating a plan of
action to help the client explore alternatives to drinking alcohol. The use of this
technique, rather than direct confrontation regarding the clients poor coping choice,
may serve to prevent anger or anxiety from escalating.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation |
Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
4. The nurse is interviewing a newly admitted psychiatric client. Which nursing
statement is an example of offering a general lead?
A. Do you know why you are here?
B. Are you feeling depressed or anxious? C. Yes, I see. Go on.
D. Can you chronologically order the events that led to your admission?
ANS: C
The nurses statement, Yes, I see. Go on, is an example of the therapeutic
communication technique of a general lead. Offering a general lead encourages the
client to continue sharing information.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Process: Nursing Process:
Implementation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
5. A nurse states to a client, Things will look better tomorrow after a good nights sleep.
This is an example of which communication technique?
Multiple Choice
1. Which therapeutic communication technique is being used in this nurseclient
interaction? Client: When I get angry, I get into a fistfight with my wife or I take it out on
the kids. Nurse: I notice that you are smiling as you talk about this physical violence.
A. Encouraging comparison
B. Exploring
C. Formulating a plan of action
D. Making observations
ANS: D
The nurse is using the therapeutic communication technique of making observations
when noting that the client smiles when talking about physical violence. The technique
of making observations encourages the client to compare personal perceptions with
those of the nurse.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation |
Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
2. Which therapeutic communication technique is being used in this nurseclient
interaction?
Client: My father spanked me often.
,Nurse: Your father was a harsh disciplinarian. A. Restatement
B. Offering general leads
C. Focusing D. Accepting ANS: A
The nurse is using the therapeutic communication technique of restatement.
Restatement involves repeating the main idea of what the client has said. The nurse
uses this technique to communicate that the clients statement has been heard and
understood.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation |
Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
3. Which therapeutic communication technique is being used in this nurseclient
interaction?
Client: When I am anxious, the only thing that calms me down is alcohol.
Nurse: Other than drinking, what alternatives have you explored to decrease anxiety? A.
Reflecting
B. Making observations
C. Formulating a plan of action
D. Giving recognition
ANS: C
, The nurse is using the therapeutic communication technique of formulating a plan of
action to help the client explore alternatives to drinking alcohol. The use of this
technique, rather than direct confrontation regarding the clients poor coping choice,
may serve to prevent anger or anxiety from escalating.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation |
Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
4. The nurse is interviewing a newly admitted psychiatric client. Which nursing
statement is an example of offering a general lead?
A. Do you know why you are here?
B. Are you feeling depressed or anxious? C. Yes, I see. Go on.
D. Can you chronologically order the events that led to your admission?
ANS: C
The nurses statement, Yes, I see. Go on, is an example of the therapeutic
communication technique of a general lead. Offering a general lead encourages the
client to continue sharing information.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Process: Nursing Process:
Implementation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
5. A nurse states to a client, Things will look better tomorrow after a good nights sleep.
This is an example of which communication technique?
