Therapeutic Communication Techniques
ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
What is therapeutic communication in nursing practice and why is it important?
CORRECT ANSWERS
Therapeutic communication is a purposeful form of communication used by nurses to build a
trusting relationship with patients. It helps patients express their feelings, concerns, and needs
effectively. This type of communication fosters empathy, understanding, and emotional support.
It is crucial because it enhances patient satisfaction, promotes adherence to treatment plans, and
improves overall health outcomes.
How does active listening enhance therapeutic communication between a nurse and a patient?
CORRECT ANSWERS
Active listening involves giving full attention to the patient, acknowledging their verbal and non-
verbal messages. It allows the nurse to understand the patient’s feelings, fears, and needs more
accurately. By reflecting, paraphrasing, and asking clarifying questions, nurses show empathy
and support. This technique strengthens trust and encourages patients to share information
openly.
Why is maintaining eye contact important in therapeutic communication?
CORRECT ANSWERS
Maintaining eye contact demonstrates attentiveness, respect, and genuine interest in the patient.
It helps the patient feel valued and understood, which strengthens the nurse-patient relationship.
Eye contact also allows the nurse to pick up non-verbal cues like discomfort or anxiety. Proper
eye contact, combined with other verbal and non-verbal cues, enhances overall communication
effectiveness.
Explain the role of open-ended questions in therapeutic communication.
CORRECT ANSWERS
Open-ended questions encourage patients to express themselves fully without limiting their
responses to yes or no. They allow nurses to gather comprehensive information about the
patient’s experiences, emotions, and needs. This technique promotes dialogue, fosters
, understanding, and builds trust. It is particularly useful in exploring sensitive issues and
facilitating problem-solving with patients.
What is the significance of using silence in therapeutic communication?
CORRECT ANSWERS
Silence allows patients to reflect on their thoughts and feelings, creating space for self-
expression. It can convey empathy and understanding without interrupting the patient. Nurses
can use silence to encourage patients to continue speaking or to consider difficult topics. When
used appropriately, silence strengthens the therapeutic relationship and shows patience and
respect.
How does paraphrasing help in therapeutic communication?
CORRECT ANSWERS
Paraphrasing involves restating what the patient has said in the nurse’s own words. This
technique confirms understanding and ensures clarity of the patient’s message. It demonstrates
active listening and encourages the patient to elaborate further. Paraphrasing also helps in
correcting any misinterpretations without offending the patient.
Why is empathy considered a critical component of therapeutic communication?
CORRECT ANSWERS
Empathy involves understanding and sharing the patient’s feelings from their perspective. It
helps patients feel validated, respected, and supported. By showing empathy, nurses can respond
appropriately to emotional and psychological needs. This strengthens trust, reduces patient
anxiety, and improves cooperation with care plans.
Explain the difference between therapeutic and non-therapeutic communication techniques.
CORRECT ANSWERS
Therapeutic communication techniques promote understanding, trust, and emotional support,
while non-therapeutic techniques hinder communication and may cause discomfort. Examples of
therapeutic techniques include active listening, empathy, and open-ended questions. Non-
therapeutic techniques include giving advice, interrupting, or showing judgment. Understanding
this difference ensures nurses maintain professional and effective communication with patients.
How does touch serve as a therapeutic communication tool?
CORRECT ANSWERS
ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
What is therapeutic communication in nursing practice and why is it important?
CORRECT ANSWERS
Therapeutic communication is a purposeful form of communication used by nurses to build a
trusting relationship with patients. It helps patients express their feelings, concerns, and needs
effectively. This type of communication fosters empathy, understanding, and emotional support.
It is crucial because it enhances patient satisfaction, promotes adherence to treatment plans, and
improves overall health outcomes.
How does active listening enhance therapeutic communication between a nurse and a patient?
CORRECT ANSWERS
Active listening involves giving full attention to the patient, acknowledging their verbal and non-
verbal messages. It allows the nurse to understand the patient’s feelings, fears, and needs more
accurately. By reflecting, paraphrasing, and asking clarifying questions, nurses show empathy
and support. This technique strengthens trust and encourages patients to share information
openly.
Why is maintaining eye contact important in therapeutic communication?
CORRECT ANSWERS
Maintaining eye contact demonstrates attentiveness, respect, and genuine interest in the patient.
It helps the patient feel valued and understood, which strengthens the nurse-patient relationship.
Eye contact also allows the nurse to pick up non-verbal cues like discomfort or anxiety. Proper
eye contact, combined with other verbal and non-verbal cues, enhances overall communication
effectiveness.
Explain the role of open-ended questions in therapeutic communication.
CORRECT ANSWERS
Open-ended questions encourage patients to express themselves fully without limiting their
responses to yes or no. They allow nurses to gather comprehensive information about the
patient’s experiences, emotions, and needs. This technique promotes dialogue, fosters
, understanding, and builds trust. It is particularly useful in exploring sensitive issues and
facilitating problem-solving with patients.
What is the significance of using silence in therapeutic communication?
CORRECT ANSWERS
Silence allows patients to reflect on their thoughts and feelings, creating space for self-
expression. It can convey empathy and understanding without interrupting the patient. Nurses
can use silence to encourage patients to continue speaking or to consider difficult topics. When
used appropriately, silence strengthens the therapeutic relationship and shows patience and
respect.
How does paraphrasing help in therapeutic communication?
CORRECT ANSWERS
Paraphrasing involves restating what the patient has said in the nurse’s own words. This
technique confirms understanding and ensures clarity of the patient’s message. It demonstrates
active listening and encourages the patient to elaborate further. Paraphrasing also helps in
correcting any misinterpretations without offending the patient.
Why is empathy considered a critical component of therapeutic communication?
CORRECT ANSWERS
Empathy involves understanding and sharing the patient’s feelings from their perspective. It
helps patients feel validated, respected, and supported. By showing empathy, nurses can respond
appropriately to emotional and psychological needs. This strengthens trust, reduces patient
anxiety, and improves cooperation with care plans.
Explain the difference between therapeutic and non-therapeutic communication techniques.
CORRECT ANSWERS
Therapeutic communication techniques promote understanding, trust, and emotional support,
while non-therapeutic techniques hinder communication and may cause discomfort. Examples of
therapeutic techniques include active listening, empathy, and open-ended questions. Non-
therapeutic techniques include giving advice, interrupting, or showing judgment. Understanding
this difference ensures nurses maintain professional and effective communication with patients.
How does touch serve as a therapeutic communication tool?
CORRECT ANSWERS
