Verified Answers
Comprehensive Question Study Guide for Mental Health
Nursing
Therapeutic Communication (Questions 1-20)
Question 1
Which response demonstrates therapeutic communication? A) "Don't
worry, everything will be fine." B) "I can see that you're upset. Tell me
more about what's bothering you." C) "You shouldn't feel that way." D)
"I know exactly how you feel."
Answer: B) "I can see that you're upset. Tell me more about what's
bothering you." Rationale: This response uses empathy and open-ended
questioning to encourage the patient to express feelings and concerns.
Question 2
The therapeutic communication technique of "reflection" involves: A)
Giving advice to the patient B) Restating the patient's feelings or
thoughts C) Changing the subject D) Arguing with the patient's
viewpoint
Answer: B) Restating the patient's feelings or thoughts Rationale:
Reflection involves restating or paraphrasing the patient's feelings or
thoughts to show understanding and encourage further expression.
Question 3
Which is an example of a non-therapeutic communication block? A)
"What are your thoughts about that?" B) "Why did you do that?" C)
,"How does that make you feel?" D) "Tell me more about your
experience."
Answer: B) "Why did you do that?" Rationale: "Why" questions are
non-therapeutic as they can make patients defensive and imply
judgment.
Question 4
Active listening includes: A) Giving immediate solutions B) Maintaining
eye contact, using body language, and providing feedback C)
Interrupting to clarify points D) Multitasking while listening
Answer: B) Maintaining eye contact, using body language, and
providing feedback Rationale: Active listening involves full attention,
appropriate body language, and responsive feedback to demonstrate
engagement.
Question 5
The most appropriate response to a patient who says "I'm worthless"
is: A) "No, you're not worthless." B) "Everyone feels that way
sometimes." C) "What makes you feel worthless?" D) "You should think
more positively."
Answer: C) "What makes you feel worthless?" Rationale: This open-
ended question explores the patient's feelings without dismissing them
and encourages further discussion.
Question 6
Silence in therapeutic communication: A) Should always be avoided B)
Can be therapeutic and allows patients to think C) Indicates the nurse is
not interested D) Should be filled immediately with conversation
, Answer: B) Can be therapeutic and allows patients to think Rationale:
Therapeutic silence gives patients time to process thoughts and feelings
and can encourage further sharing.
Question 7
When establishing trust with a patient, the nurse should: A) Promise
to keep all information confidential B) Be honest about limitations and
boundaries C) Share personal experiences D) Make promises about
outcomes
Answer: B) Be honest about limitations and boundaries Rationale:
Trust is built through honesty, consistency, and clear communication
about professional boundaries.
Question 8
Empathy differs from sympathy in that empathy: A) Involves feeling
sorry for the patient B) Means understanding the patient's perspective
without becoming emotionally involved C) Requires having the same
experiences as the patient D) Is less professional than sympathy
Answer: B) Means understanding the patient's perspective without
becoming emotionally involved Rationale: Empathy involves
understanding without losing professional objectivity, while sympathy
involves emotional involvement.
Question 9
The therapeutic communication technique of "focusing" involves: A)
Changing the subject B) Concentrating on a specific point or feeling C)
Giving broad generalizations D) Avoiding difficult topics