NCLEX Therapeutic Communication Practice Questions 2026 1 2026-03-06
NCLEX Therapeutic
Communication Practice
Questions 2026
Page 1 Guidehttps://www.stuvia.com/dashboard!@_)#*)(@$)($@*($@)($@*_ NCLEX Therapeutic Communication Practice Questions 2026.pdf
,NCLEX questions therapeutic communication 2 2026-03-06
According to the therapeutic communication theory, what criteria must be
met for successful communication?
A Nonverbal communication is consistent with verbal communication.
B The communication needs to be efficient, appropriate, flexible, and
include feedback.
C The individuals communicating with each other must share a similar
perception of the conversation.
D The communication must be intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, or
societal in nature.
B
Rationale:
1. The communication must be intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, or
societal in nature. Therapeutic communication theory believes
communication occurs in four different settings: intrapersonal,
interpersonal, group, and societal.
2. The communication needs to be efficient, appropriate, flexible, and
include feedback. The formal criteria for successful communication are
efficiency, appropriateness, flexibility, and feedback.
3. Nonverbal communication is consistent with verbal communication.
Nonverbal communication can contradict the verbal message.
4. The individuals communicating with each other must share a similar
perception of the conversation. Perception is highly personal and internal.
Page 2 NCLEX questions therapeutic communication.pdf
,NCLEX questions therapeutic communication 3 2026-03-06
After assertiveness training, a formerly passive client appropriately
confronts a peer in group therapy. The group leader states, "I'm so proud of
you for being assertive. You are so good!" Which communication technique
has the leader employed?
A The nontherapeutic technique of giving approval
B The nontherapeutic technique of interpreting
C The therapeutic technique of presenting reality
D The therapeutic technique of making observations
A
The group leader has employed the nontherapeutic technique of giving
approval. Giving approval implies that the nurse has the right to pass
judgment on whether the client's ideas or behaviors are "good" or "bad."
This creates a conditional acceptance of the client.
After fasting from 10 p.m. the previous evening, a client finds out that the
blood test has been canceled. The client swears at the nurse and states, "You
are incompetent!" Which is the nurse's best response?
A "Do you believe that I was the cause of your blood test being canceled?"
B "I see that you are upset, but I feel uncomfortable when you swear at me."
C "Have you ever thought about ways to express anger appropriately?"
D "I'll give you some space. Let me know if you need anything."
B
This is an example of the appropriate use of feedback. Feedback should be
directed toward behavior that the client has the capacity to modify.
assault
A threatened or attempted physical attack by someone who appears to be
able to cause bodily harm if not stopped
Page 3 NCLEX questions therapeutic communication.pdf
, NCLEX questions therapeutic communication 4 2026-03-06
battery
Illegal touching of another person
A client diagnosed with dependant personality disorder states, "Do you
think I should move from my parent's house and get a job?" Which nursing
response is most appropriate?
A "It would be best to do that in order to increase independence."
B "Why would you want to leave a secure home?"
C "Let's discuss and explore all of your options."
D "I'm afraid you would feel very guilty leaving your parents."
C
The most appropriate response by the nurse is, "Let's discuss and explore all
of your options." In this example, the nurse is encouraging the client to
formulate ideas and decide independently the appropriate course of action.
A client diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder is admitted to an
inpatient psychiatric unit for evaluation and medication stabilization. Which
therapeutic communication technique used by the nurse is an example of a
broad opening?
A "What occurred prior to the rape, and when did you go to the emergency
department?"
B "What would you like to talk about?"
C "I notice you seem uncomfortable discussing this."
D "How can we help you feel safe during your stay here?"
B
The nurse's statement, "What would you like to talk about?" is an example
of the therapeutic communication technique of giving broad openings.
Using a broad opening allows the client to take the initiative in introducing
the topic and emphasizes the importance of the client's role in the
interaction.
Page 4 NCLEX questions therapeutic communication.pdf
NCLEX Therapeutic
Communication Practice
Questions 2026
Page 1 Guidehttps://www.stuvia.com/dashboard!@_)#*)(@$)($@*($@)($@*_ NCLEX Therapeutic Communication Practice Questions 2026.pdf
,NCLEX questions therapeutic communication 2 2026-03-06
According to the therapeutic communication theory, what criteria must be
met for successful communication?
A Nonverbal communication is consistent with verbal communication.
B The communication needs to be efficient, appropriate, flexible, and
include feedback.
C The individuals communicating with each other must share a similar
perception of the conversation.
D The communication must be intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, or
societal in nature.
B
Rationale:
1. The communication must be intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, or
societal in nature. Therapeutic communication theory believes
communication occurs in four different settings: intrapersonal,
interpersonal, group, and societal.
2. The communication needs to be efficient, appropriate, flexible, and
include feedback. The formal criteria for successful communication are
efficiency, appropriateness, flexibility, and feedback.
3. Nonverbal communication is consistent with verbal communication.
Nonverbal communication can contradict the verbal message.
4. The individuals communicating with each other must share a similar
perception of the conversation. Perception is highly personal and internal.
Page 2 NCLEX questions therapeutic communication.pdf
,NCLEX questions therapeutic communication 3 2026-03-06
After assertiveness training, a formerly passive client appropriately
confronts a peer in group therapy. The group leader states, "I'm so proud of
you for being assertive. You are so good!" Which communication technique
has the leader employed?
A The nontherapeutic technique of giving approval
B The nontherapeutic technique of interpreting
C The therapeutic technique of presenting reality
D The therapeutic technique of making observations
A
The group leader has employed the nontherapeutic technique of giving
approval. Giving approval implies that the nurse has the right to pass
judgment on whether the client's ideas or behaviors are "good" or "bad."
This creates a conditional acceptance of the client.
After fasting from 10 p.m. the previous evening, a client finds out that the
blood test has been canceled. The client swears at the nurse and states, "You
are incompetent!" Which is the nurse's best response?
A "Do you believe that I was the cause of your blood test being canceled?"
B "I see that you are upset, but I feel uncomfortable when you swear at me."
C "Have you ever thought about ways to express anger appropriately?"
D "I'll give you some space. Let me know if you need anything."
B
This is an example of the appropriate use of feedback. Feedback should be
directed toward behavior that the client has the capacity to modify.
assault
A threatened or attempted physical attack by someone who appears to be
able to cause bodily harm if not stopped
Page 3 NCLEX questions therapeutic communication.pdf
, NCLEX questions therapeutic communication 4 2026-03-06
battery
Illegal touching of another person
A client diagnosed with dependant personality disorder states, "Do you
think I should move from my parent's house and get a job?" Which nursing
response is most appropriate?
A "It would be best to do that in order to increase independence."
B "Why would you want to leave a secure home?"
C "Let's discuss and explore all of your options."
D "I'm afraid you would feel very guilty leaving your parents."
C
The most appropriate response by the nurse is, "Let's discuss and explore all
of your options." In this example, the nurse is encouraging the client to
formulate ideas and decide independently the appropriate course of action.
A client diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder is admitted to an
inpatient psychiatric unit for evaluation and medication stabilization. Which
therapeutic communication technique used by the nurse is an example of a
broad opening?
A "What occurred prior to the rape, and when did you go to the emergency
department?"
B "What would you like to talk about?"
C "I notice you seem uncomfortable discussing this."
D "How can we help you feel safe during your stay here?"
B
The nurse's statement, "What would you like to talk about?" is an example
of the therapeutic communication technique of giving broad openings.
Using a broad opening allows the client to take the initiative in introducing
the topic and emphasizes the importance of the client's role in the
interaction.
Page 4 NCLEX questions therapeutic communication.pdf
