Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Success

Therapeutic Communication Facilitators 1. A client states, “I don’t know what the pills are for or why I am taking them, so I don’t want them.” Which is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of “giving information”? 1. “You must take your medication to get better.” 2. “The doctor wouldn’t prescribe these pills if they were harmful.” 3. “Do you feel this way about all your medications?” 4. “This medication will help to improve your mood.” 2. A depressed client discussing marital problems with the nurse says, “What will I do if my husband asks me for a divorce?” Which response by the nurse would be an example of therapeutic communication? 1. “Why do you think that your husband will ask you for a divorce?” 2. “You seem to be worrying over nothing. I’m sure everything will be fine.” 3. “What has happened to make you think that your husband will ask for a divorce?” 4. “Talking about this will only make you more anxious and increase your depression.” 3. A client states to the nurse, “I’m thinking about ending it all.” Which response by the nurse would be an example of therapeutic communication? 1. “Your attitude will hamper your recovery.” 2. “Wasn’t your wife just here during visiting hours?” 3. “Why would you want to do something like that?” 4. “You must be feeling very sad right now.” 4. Which of the following statements are examples of the therapeutic communication technique of “focusing”? Select all that apply. 1. “You say you’re angry, but I notice that you’re smiling.” 2. “Are you saying that you want to drive to Hawaii?” 3. “Tell me again about Vietnam and your feelings after you were wounded.” 4. “I see you staring out the window. Tell me what you’re thinking.” 5. “Yesterday you described your relationship with your mom. Let’s continue that topic.” 5. Which of the following therapeutic communication exchanges are examples of “reflection”? Select all that apply. 1. Client: “I get sad because I know I’m going to fail in school.” Nurse: “So you start feeling down every time a new semester begins?” 2. Client: “I forgot to get my prescription refilled.” Nurse: “It is important for you to take your medication as prescribed.” 3. Client: “I hate my recent weight gain.” Nurse: “Have you considered Overeaters Anonymous?” 4. Client: “I’m happy that I poisoned my husband.” Nurse: “You’re happy to have poisoned your husband?” 5. Client: “I really don’t know why I’m here. My stupid husband is behind this.” Nurse: “You seem angry at your husband for bringing you to the hospital.” 6. The nurse states to a client on an in-patient unit, “Tell me what’s been on your mind.” Which describes the purpose of this therapeutic communication technique? 1. To have the client choose the topic of the conversation. 2. To present new ideas for consideration. 3. To convey interest in what the client is saying. 4. To provide time for the nurse and client to gather thoughts and reflect. 03_Curtis_Ch03.indd 60 18/10/16 3:03 PM Chapter 3 Communication 61 7. The nurse states to the client, “You say that you are sad, but you are smiling and laughing.” Which describes the purpose of this therapeutic communication technique? 1. To provide suggestions for coping strategies. 2. To redirect the client to an idea of importance. 3. To bring incongruences or inconsistencies into awareness. 4. To provide feedback to the client. 8. Which of the following are examples of the therapeutic communication technique of “clarification”? Select all that apply. 1. “Can we talk more about how you feel about your father?” 2. “I’m not sure what you mean when you use the word ‘fragile.’” 3. “I notice that you seem angry today.” 4. “How does your mood today compare with yesterday?” 5. “Can you help me understand what you mean by a ‘difficult childhood’?” 9. The client states, “I’m not sure that the doctor has prescribed the correct medication for my sadness.” Which would be a therapeutic nursing response? 1. “A lot of clients are nervous about new medications. I’ll get you some information about it.” 2. “So you think that this medication is not right for you?” 3. “Why do you think that this medication won’t help your mood?” 4. “Your doctor has been prescribing this medication for years, and it really does help people.” 10. A client admitted for alcohol detoxification states, “I don’t think my drinking has anything to do with why I am here in the hospital. I think I have problems with depression.” Which statement by the nurse is the most therapeutic response? 1. “I think you really need to look at the amount you are drinking and consider the effect on your family.” 2. “That’s wrong. I disagree with that. Your admission is because of your alcohol abuse and not for any other reason.” 3. “I’m sure you don’t mean that. You have to realize that alcohol is the root of your problems.” 4. “I find it hard to believe that alcohol is not a problem because you have recently lost your job and your driver’s license.” 11. Delving further into a subject, idea, experience, or relationship is to “exploring” as taking notice of a single idea, or even a single word, is to: 1. “Broad opening.” 2. “Offering general leads.” 3. “Focusing.” 4. “Accepting.” 12. Allowing the client to take the initiative in introducing the topic is to “broad opening” as the nurse’s making self-available and presenting emotional support is to: 1. “Focusing.” 2. “Offering self.” 3. “Restating.” 4. “Giving recognition.” 13. The nurse’s lack of verbal communication for therapeutic reasons is to “silence” as the nurse’s ability to process information and examine reactions to the messages received is to: 1. “Focusing.” 2. “Offering self.” 3. “Restating.” 4. “Listening.”