Therapeutic Communication Practice Exam
150 questions, answers, and rationales
1. A patient states, "I feel anxious all the time." Which is the best
response by the nurse?
"Tell me more about when you feel anxious."
Rationale: This is an open-ended question that encourages the
patient to express feelings and promotes therapeutic
communication.
2. A patient refuses to speak during a session. The nurse should:
Give the patient time and sit quietly.
Rationale: Silence can be therapeutic, allowing the patient to
collect thoughts and feel supported without pressure.
3. Which technique involves restating the patient’s statement in the
nurse’s own words?
Paraphrasing
Rationale: Paraphrasing demonstrates understanding and
clarifies the patient’s message.
4. The nurse says, "You seem upset today." This is an example of:
Making an observation
Rationale: Stating what the nurse observes without judgment
encourages the patient to elaborate on feelings.
5. A patient says, "I hate my job." The nurse replies, "You hate your
job?" This technique is called:
Restating
Rationale: Restating repeats the patient’s words to encourage
further communication and show attentiveness.
,6. Which response demonstrates empathy?
"It sounds like this situation has been very difficult for you."
Rationale: Empathy shows understanding and validation of the
patient’s feelings without judgment.
7. A nurse asks, "What do you think might help you feel better?"
This is an example of:
Encouraging problem-solving
Rationale: Open-ended questions promote autonomy and help
patients explore solutions.
8. When a patient begins crying during a session, the nurse should:
Remain with the patient and offer support.
Rationale: Staying present shows emotional support and allows
the patient to express feelings safely.
9. Which statement blocks communication?
"Everything will be fine."
Rationale: This minimizes the patient’s feelings and can
discourage further sharing.
10. The nurse asks, "How did that make you feel?" This is an
example of:
Exploring
Rationale: Exploring helps patients examine feelings, thoughts,
and experiences more deeply.
11. Which is an appropriate response to a patient who asks a
personal question?
"I am here to focus on your needs today."
Rationale: Setting professional boundaries maintains a
therapeutic relationship.
, 12. The nurse says, "You look tense; would you like to talk about
it?" This demonstrates:
Using confrontation appropriately
Rationale: Gentle confrontation addresses observed behavior to
promote awareness and discussion.
13. A patient talks rapidly and jumps from topic to topic. The
nurse should:
Focus on one topic and redirect gently.
Rationale: Redirection helps organize thoughts and maintains a
therapeutic focus.
14. What is the primary goal of therapeutic communication?
To promote patient well-being and understanding.
Rationale: Therapeutic communication facilitates healing, trust,
and expression of feelings.
15. Which technique allows the nurse to clarify ambiguous
statements?
Seeking clarification
Rationale: Clarification prevents misunderstandings and ensures
accurate interpretation of the patient’s message.
16. The nurse responds to a patient’s statement, "I am scared,"
with:
"You feel scared. Can you tell me more about that?"
Rationale: This validates feelings and encourages further
expression.
17. Which action is nontherapeutic?
Interrupting the patient frequently.
Rationale: Interrupting disrupts communication and may cause
frustration or distrust.
150 questions, answers, and rationales
1. A patient states, "I feel anxious all the time." Which is the best
response by the nurse?
"Tell me more about when you feel anxious."
Rationale: This is an open-ended question that encourages the
patient to express feelings and promotes therapeutic
communication.
2. A patient refuses to speak during a session. The nurse should:
Give the patient time and sit quietly.
Rationale: Silence can be therapeutic, allowing the patient to
collect thoughts and feel supported without pressure.
3. Which technique involves restating the patient’s statement in the
nurse’s own words?
Paraphrasing
Rationale: Paraphrasing demonstrates understanding and
clarifies the patient’s message.
4. The nurse says, "You seem upset today." This is an example of:
Making an observation
Rationale: Stating what the nurse observes without judgment
encourages the patient to elaborate on feelings.
5. A patient says, "I hate my job." The nurse replies, "You hate your
job?" This technique is called:
Restating
Rationale: Restating repeats the patient’s words to encourage
further communication and show attentiveness.
,6. Which response demonstrates empathy?
"It sounds like this situation has been very difficult for you."
Rationale: Empathy shows understanding and validation of the
patient’s feelings without judgment.
7. A nurse asks, "What do you think might help you feel better?"
This is an example of:
Encouraging problem-solving
Rationale: Open-ended questions promote autonomy and help
patients explore solutions.
8. When a patient begins crying during a session, the nurse should:
Remain with the patient and offer support.
Rationale: Staying present shows emotional support and allows
the patient to express feelings safely.
9. Which statement blocks communication?
"Everything will be fine."
Rationale: This minimizes the patient’s feelings and can
discourage further sharing.
10. The nurse asks, "How did that make you feel?" This is an
example of:
Exploring
Rationale: Exploring helps patients examine feelings, thoughts,
and experiences more deeply.
11. Which is an appropriate response to a patient who asks a
personal question?
"I am here to focus on your needs today."
Rationale: Setting professional boundaries maintains a
therapeutic relationship.
, 12. The nurse says, "You look tense; would you like to talk about
it?" This demonstrates:
Using confrontation appropriately
Rationale: Gentle confrontation addresses observed behavior to
promote awareness and discussion.
13. A patient talks rapidly and jumps from topic to topic. The
nurse should:
Focus on one topic and redirect gently.
Rationale: Redirection helps organize thoughts and maintains a
therapeutic focus.
14. What is the primary goal of therapeutic communication?
To promote patient well-being and understanding.
Rationale: Therapeutic communication facilitates healing, trust,
and expression of feelings.
15. Which technique allows the nurse to clarify ambiguous
statements?
Seeking clarification
Rationale: Clarification prevents misunderstandings and ensures
accurate interpretation of the patient’s message.
16. The nurse responds to a patient’s statement, "I am scared,"
with:
"You feel scared. Can you tell me more about that?"
Rationale: This validates feelings and encourages further
expression.
17. Which action is nontherapeutic?
Interrupting the patient frequently.
Rationale: Interrupting disrupts communication and may cause
frustration or distrust.
