Which nursing statement is a good example of the therapeutic communication technique of focusing?
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Solution
“You mentioned your relationship with your father. Let’s discuss that further.”
This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of focusing. Focusing takes notice of a single idea or even a single word and works especially well with a client who is moving rapidly from one thought to another.
A student nurse is learning about the appropriate use of touch when communicating with clients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders. Which statement by the instructor best provides information about this aspect of therapeutic communication?
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Solution
“Touch carries a different meaning for different individuals.”
Touch can elicit both negative and positive reactions, depending on the people involved and the circumstances of the interaction.
A student nurse tells the instructor, “I’m concerned that when a client asks me for advice I won’t have a good solution.” Which should be the nursing instructor’s best response?
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Solution
“Remember, clients, not nurses, are responsible for their own choices and decisions.”
Giving advice tells the client what to do or how to behave. It implies that the nurse knows what is best and that the client is incapable of any self-direction. It discourages independent thinking.
The nurse asks a newly admitted client, “What can we do to help you?” What is the purpose of this therapeutic communication technique?
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Solution
To explore a subject, idea, experience, or relationship
This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of exploring. The purpose of using exploring is to delve further into the subject, idea, experience, or relationship. This technique is especially helpful with clients who tend to remain on a superficial level of communication.
A client is struggling to explore and solve a problem. Which nursing statement would verbalize the implication of the client’s actions?
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Solution
“You seem to be motivated to change your behavior.”
This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of verbalizing the implied. Verbalizing the implied puts into words what the client has only implied or said indirectly.
Which nursing statement is a good example of the therapeutic communication technique of giving recognition?
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Solution
“I notice you are wearing a new dress and you have washed your hair.”
This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of giving recognition. Giving recognition acknowledges and indicates awareness. This technique is more appropriate than complimenting the client which reflects the nurse’s judgment.
A client’s younger daughter is ignoring curfew. The client states, “I’m afraid she will get pregnant.” The nurse responds, “Hang in there. Don’t you think she has a lot to learn about life?” This is an example of which communication block?
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Solution
Making stereotyped comments
This is an example of the nontherapeutic communication block of making stereotyped comments. Clichés and trite expressions are meaningless in a therapeutic nurse-client relationship.
A client tells the nurse, “I feel bad because my mother does not want me to return home after I leave the hospital.” Which nursing response is therapeutic?
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Solution
“You feel that your mother does not want you to come back home?”
This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of restatement. Restatement is the repeating of the main idea that the client has verbalized. This lets the client know whether or not an expressed statement has been understood and gives him or her the chance to continue, or clarify if necessary.
Which example of a therapeutic communication technique would be effective in the planning phase of the nursing process?
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Solution
“We’ve discussed past coping skills. Let’s see if these coping skills can be effective now.”
This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of formulating a plan of action. By the use of this technique, the nurse can help the client plan in advance to deal with a stressful situation which may prevent anger and/or anxiety from escalating to an unmanageable level.
A newly admitted client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) washes hands continually. This behavior prevents unit activity attendance. Which nursing statement best addresses this situation?
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Solution
“Let’s figure out a way for you to attend unit activities and still wash your hands.”
The most appropriate statement by the nurse is, “Let’s figure out a way for you to attend unit activities and still wash your hands.” This statement reflects the therapeutic communication technique of formulating a plan of action. The nurse attempts to work with the client to develop a plan without damaging the therapeutic relationship or increasing the client’s anxiety.