Therapeutic Communication Exam
Questions With Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1A patient says, “I feel like no one understands what I’m going through.”
What is the nurse’s best response?
A. “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
B. “It sounds like you’re feeling very misunderstood.”
C. “Everyone feels like that sometimes.”
D. “Why do you think that is?”
Rationale: Reflecting the patient’s feelings shows empathy and
encourages further expression without judgment or premature
questioning.
1. A patient is crying after receiving a diagnosis. What is the most
therapeutic nursing action?
A. Change the subject to distract the patient
B. Sit quietly with the patient and offer presence
C. Tell the patient everything will be fine
D. Leave the room to give privacy
Rationale: Presence and silence convey support and allow the
patient to process emotions.
2. A patient says, “I don’t think I can go on with treatment.” What is
the nurse’s priority response?
A. “You will feel better after a few days.”
B. “Tell me more about what’s making you feel this way.”
, C. “You must continue treatment.”
D. “Why would you say something like that?”
Rationale: Exploring feelings encourages expression and
assessment of potential risk.
3. A nurse says, “You seem worried about your surgery.” Which
communication technique is being used?
A. Confrontation
B. Making an observation
C. Giving advice
D. Interpreting
Rationale: The nurse is identifying observed behavior to open
communication.
4. A patient states, “I had the worst night ever.” What is the best
response?
A. “At least it’s over now.”
B. “That’s not too bad.”
C. “Tell me more about your night.”
D. “Why was it bad?”
Rationale: Encourages elaboration without minimizing feelings.
5. Which statement demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”
B. “What are your concerns right now?”
C. “I know exactly how you feel.”
D. “You shouldn’t think like that.”
Rationale: Open-ended questioning promotes patient expression.
6. A patient is silent during an interview. What should the nurse do?
A. Fill the silence immediately
, B. Allow silence and wait for the patient to respond
C. Ask multiple questions quickly
D. End the interview
Rationale: Silence can encourage reflection and communication.
7. A patient says, “I hate hospitals.” What is the best response?
A. “You shouldn’t say that.”
B. “What about hospitals bothers you?”
C. “You’ll get used to it.”
D. “Why do you hate them?”
Rationale: Encourages exploration of feelings in a nonjudgmental
way.
8. A nurse says, “It sounds like you’re feeling angry.” This is an
example of:
A. Giving advice
B. Reflecting feelings
C. Changing the topic
D. Minimizing emotions
Rationale: Reflection helps the patient identify emotions.
9. A patient asks, “Do you think I will die?” What is the best
response?
A. “No, you will be fine.”
B. “What are your concerns about your condition?”
C. “Everyone dies eventually.”
D. “I don’t think so.”
Rationale: Encourages expression of fears without giving false
reassurance.
Questions With Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1A patient says, “I feel like no one understands what I’m going through.”
What is the nurse’s best response?
A. “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
B. “It sounds like you’re feeling very misunderstood.”
C. “Everyone feels like that sometimes.”
D. “Why do you think that is?”
Rationale: Reflecting the patient’s feelings shows empathy and
encourages further expression without judgment or premature
questioning.
1. A patient is crying after receiving a diagnosis. What is the most
therapeutic nursing action?
A. Change the subject to distract the patient
B. Sit quietly with the patient and offer presence
C. Tell the patient everything will be fine
D. Leave the room to give privacy
Rationale: Presence and silence convey support and allow the
patient to process emotions.
2. A patient says, “I don’t think I can go on with treatment.” What is
the nurse’s priority response?
A. “You will feel better after a few days.”
B. “Tell me more about what’s making you feel this way.”
, C. “You must continue treatment.”
D. “Why would you say something like that?”
Rationale: Exploring feelings encourages expression and
assessment of potential risk.
3. A nurse says, “You seem worried about your surgery.” Which
communication technique is being used?
A. Confrontation
B. Making an observation
C. Giving advice
D. Interpreting
Rationale: The nurse is identifying observed behavior to open
communication.
4. A patient states, “I had the worst night ever.” What is the best
response?
A. “At least it’s over now.”
B. “That’s not too bad.”
C. “Tell me more about your night.”
D. “Why was it bad?”
Rationale: Encourages elaboration without minimizing feelings.
5. Which statement demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”
B. “What are your concerns right now?”
C. “I know exactly how you feel.”
D. “You shouldn’t think like that.”
Rationale: Open-ended questioning promotes patient expression.
6. A patient is silent during an interview. What should the nurse do?
A. Fill the silence immediately
, B. Allow silence and wait for the patient to respond
C. Ask multiple questions quickly
D. End the interview
Rationale: Silence can encourage reflection and communication.
7. A patient says, “I hate hospitals.” What is the best response?
A. “You shouldn’t say that.”
B. “What about hospitals bothers you?”
C. “You’ll get used to it.”
D. “Why do you hate them?”
Rationale: Encourages exploration of feelings in a nonjudgmental
way.
8. A nurse says, “It sounds like you’re feeling angry.” This is an
example of:
A. Giving advice
B. Reflecting feelings
C. Changing the topic
D. Minimizing emotions
Rationale: Reflection helps the patient identify emotions.
9. A patient asks, “Do you think I will die?” What is the best
response?
A. “No, you will be fine.”
B. “What are your concerns about your condition?”
C. “Everyone dies eventually.”
D. “I don’t think so.”
Rationale: Encourages expression of fears without giving false
reassurance.
