THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION REVISION. SAMPLE
EXAM REVISION PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS (2024 UPDATE)
The nurse does not argue with the client having delusions. The nurse addresses the client's
underlying feeling and presents reality to promote the client's trust, comfort, and sense of reality.
The other statements challenge the client and further distances the client from reality, defend the
staff and does not address the client's feeling, and validate the client's delusion but do not address
the client's feeling and may further confuse the client.
During a postpartum examination, the mother of a 2-week-old infant tearfully tells the nurse she
feels very tired and thinks she is not a good mother to her baby. Which statement by the nurse
would be best?
a) "I'm concerned about what you are experiencing. Tell me more about what you are thinking
and feeling."
b) "Most new mothers feel the same way that you do. I hear that a lot from others."
c) "You need to have your husband and family help you so that you can get some rest."
d) "The hormonal changes your body is experiencing are causing you to feel this way." -
ANSWER- A. "I'm concerned about what you are experiencing. Tell me more about what you
are thinking and feeling."
Explanation:
,The nurse should convey empathy and invite the client to share more about her thoughts and
feelings so that the nurse can assess the mother for possible postpartum depression, which usually
occurs between 2 weeks and 3 months after the baby's birth but also can occur later. Postpartum
depression is a mood disorder with symptoms of tearfulness, mood swings, despondency, feelings
of inadequacy, inability to cope with the baby, and guilt about performance as a mother. Postpartum
depression commonly goes undetected because of poor recognition and lack of knowledge.
Hormonal changes during and after childbirth may account for some of the symptoms; however,
the nurse should not assume that that is the case. Stating the client's husband and family should
help her is an assumption that they are not and dismisses the client's concerns. Saying most new
mothers feel the same way minimizes the client's concerns and decreases the likelihood of further
disclosure by the client.
After diagnosing a client with pulmonary tuberculosis, the physician tells family members that
they must receive isoniazid (INH) as prophylaxis against tuberculosis. The client's daughter asks
the nurse how long the drug must be taken. What is the usual duration of prophylactic isoniazid
therapy?
a) 6 to 12 months
b) 1 to 3 weeks
c) 2 to 4 months
d) 3 to 5 days - ANSWER- A. 6 to 12 months
Explanation:
, Prophylactic isoniazid therapy must continue for 6 to 12 months at a daily dosage of 300 mg.
Taking the drug for less than 6 months may not provide adequate protection against tuberculosis.
When teaching a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to conserve energy, the nurse
should teach the client to lift objects:
a) While taking a deep breath and holding it.
b) After exhaling but before inhaling.
c) While inhaling through an open mouth.
d) While exhaling through pursed lips. - ANSWER- D. While exhaling through pursed lips.
Explanation:
Exhaling requires less energy than inhaling. Therefore, lifting while exhaling saves energy and
reduces perceived dyspnea. Pursing the lips prolongs exhalation and provides the client with more
control over breathing. Lifting after exhaling but before inhaling is similar to lifting with the breath
held. This should not be recommended because it is similar to the Valsalva maneuver, which can
stimulate cardiac arrhythmias.
The parents of a child tell the nurse that they feel guilty because their child almost drowned. Which
of the following remarks by the nurse would be most appropriate?
a) "You really shouldn't feel guilty; you're lucky because your child will be all right."
b) "I can understand why you feel guilty, but these things happen."
c) "Tell me a little bit more about your feelings of guilt."
EXAM REVISION PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS (2024 UPDATE)
The nurse does not argue with the client having delusions. The nurse addresses the client's
underlying feeling and presents reality to promote the client's trust, comfort, and sense of reality.
The other statements challenge the client and further distances the client from reality, defend the
staff and does not address the client's feeling, and validate the client's delusion but do not address
the client's feeling and may further confuse the client.
During a postpartum examination, the mother of a 2-week-old infant tearfully tells the nurse she
feels very tired and thinks she is not a good mother to her baby. Which statement by the nurse
would be best?
a) "I'm concerned about what you are experiencing. Tell me more about what you are thinking
and feeling."
b) "Most new mothers feel the same way that you do. I hear that a lot from others."
c) "You need to have your husband and family help you so that you can get some rest."
d) "The hormonal changes your body is experiencing are causing you to feel this way." -
ANSWER- A. "I'm concerned about what you are experiencing. Tell me more about what you
are thinking and feeling."
Explanation:
,The nurse should convey empathy and invite the client to share more about her thoughts and
feelings so that the nurse can assess the mother for possible postpartum depression, which usually
occurs between 2 weeks and 3 months after the baby's birth but also can occur later. Postpartum
depression is a mood disorder with symptoms of tearfulness, mood swings, despondency, feelings
of inadequacy, inability to cope with the baby, and guilt about performance as a mother. Postpartum
depression commonly goes undetected because of poor recognition and lack of knowledge.
Hormonal changes during and after childbirth may account for some of the symptoms; however,
the nurse should not assume that that is the case. Stating the client's husband and family should
help her is an assumption that they are not and dismisses the client's concerns. Saying most new
mothers feel the same way minimizes the client's concerns and decreases the likelihood of further
disclosure by the client.
After diagnosing a client with pulmonary tuberculosis, the physician tells family members that
they must receive isoniazid (INH) as prophylaxis against tuberculosis. The client's daughter asks
the nurse how long the drug must be taken. What is the usual duration of prophylactic isoniazid
therapy?
a) 6 to 12 months
b) 1 to 3 weeks
c) 2 to 4 months
d) 3 to 5 days - ANSWER- A. 6 to 12 months
Explanation:
, Prophylactic isoniazid therapy must continue for 6 to 12 months at a daily dosage of 300 mg.
Taking the drug for less than 6 months may not provide adequate protection against tuberculosis.
When teaching a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to conserve energy, the nurse
should teach the client to lift objects:
a) While taking a deep breath and holding it.
b) After exhaling but before inhaling.
c) While inhaling through an open mouth.
d) While exhaling through pursed lips. - ANSWER- D. While exhaling through pursed lips.
Explanation:
Exhaling requires less energy than inhaling. Therefore, lifting while exhaling saves energy and
reduces perceived dyspnea. Pursing the lips prolongs exhalation and provides the client with more
control over breathing. Lifting after exhaling but before inhaling is similar to lifting with the breath
held. This should not be recommended because it is similar to the Valsalva maneuver, which can
stimulate cardiac arrhythmias.
The parents of a child tell the nurse that they feel guilty because their child almost drowned. Which
of the following remarks by the nurse would be most appropriate?
a) "You really shouldn't feel guilty; you're lucky because your child will be all right."
b) "I can understand why you feel guilty, but these things happen."
c) "Tell me a little bit more about your feelings of guilt."
