Nursing Chapter 8: Therapeutic Communication

Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of the therapeutic communication technique of exploring?

To tell the client how to behave

To delve further into the subject, idea, experience, or relationship (correct)

To share the nurse's experiences

To provide advice to the client

Which response by the nursing instructor is best when a student nurse expresses concern about providing advice to a client?

Remember, clients, not nurses, are responsible for their own choices and decisions. (correct)

Set a goal to continue to work on this aspect of your practice.

It's scary to feel put on the spot by a client. Nurses don't always have the answer.

Just keep the client's best interests in mind and do the best that you can.

What does the instructor say about the appropriate use of touch when communicating with clients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders?

Touch is best combined with empathy when dealing with anxious clients.

Touch is often used when deescalating volatile client situations.

Touch is used to convey interest and warmth.

Touch carries a different meaning for different individuals. (correct)

Which nursing statement is a good example of the therapeutic communication technique of focusing?

You mentioned your relationship with your father. Let's discuss that further. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nurse's best response when a client expresses anger after a canceled blood test?

I see that you are upset, but I feel uncomfortable when you swear at me. Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing statement may belittle the client's feelings and concerns?

Don't worry. Everything will be alright. Signup and view all the answers

What is an appropriate initial response to a client expressing feelings of worthlessness?

You've been feeling sad and alone for some time now? Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing response illustrates nontherapeutic communication by requesting an explanation?

Can you tell me why you said that? Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing response best assesses a situation when a client describes a negative interaction with their spouse?

Describe what happened during your time with your husband. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best nursing response to a client experiencing auditory hallucinations?

I understand that the voices seem real to you, but I do not hear any voices. Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing statement is a good example of the therapeutic communication technique of offering self?

Would you like me to accompany you to your electroconvulsive therapy treatment? Signup and view all the answers

What therapeutic communication technique did the nurse employ when stating, 'You seem angry,' and how is the client demonstrating a defense mechanism?

Verbalizing the implied and the defense mechanism of denial Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following individuals are communicating a message? (Select all that apply)

A teenage boy isolating himself and playing loud music Signup and view all the answers

Which therapeutic communication technique is being used in this nurse-client interaction? Client: 'When I get angry, I get into a fistfight with my wife or I take it out on the kids.' Nurse: 'I notice that you are smiling as you talk about this physical violence.'

Making observations Signup and view all the answers

Which therapeutic communication technique is being used in this nurse-client interaction? Client: 'My father spanked me often.' Nurse: 'Your father was a harsh disciplinarian.'

Restatement Signup and view all the answers

Which therapeutic communication technique is being used in this nurse-client interaction? Client: 'When I am anxious, the only thing that calms me down is alcohol.' Nurse: 'Other than drinking, what alternatives have you explored to decrease anxiety?'

Formulating a plan of action Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing statement is an example of offering a 'general lead'?

'Yes, I see. Go on.' Signup and view all the answers

A nurse states to a client, 'Things will look better tomorrow after a good night's sleep.' This is an example of which communication technique?

The nontherapeutic technique of 'giving false reassurance' Signup and view all the answers

Which therapeutic communication technique used by the nurse is an example of a broad opening?

'What would you like to talk about?' Signup and view all the answers

Which therapeutic communication technique used by the nurse is an example of making observations?

'You appear to be talking to someone I do not see.' Signup and view all the answers

A nurse maintains an uncrossed arm and leg posture. This nonverbal behavior is reflective of which letter of the SOLER acronym for active listening?

O Signup and view all the answers

Which instructor statement is the best example of effective feedback?

'I noticed that you used the client's name in your written process recording. That is a breach of confidentiality.' Signup and view all the answers

Which communication technique has the group leader employed? 'I'm so proud of you for being assertive. You are so good!'

The nontherapeutic technique of giving approval Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a nurse providing appropriate feedback?

To give the client critical information Signup and view all the answers

Which appropriate feedback should a nurse provide when a client with antisocial personality disorder experiences an angry outburst?

'During group, you raised your voice, yelled at a peer, and slammed the door.' Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing response is most appropriate for a client with dependent personality disorder asking about moving out?

'Let's discuss and explore all of your options.' Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing statement reflects the nonverbal behavior of sitting squarely, facing the client?

Sitting squarely, facing the client Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of reflection in a nurse's response?

'You're feeling guilty because you weren't able to save your children.' Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing statement best addresses a client with OCD who washes hands continually?

'Let's figure out a way for you to attend unit activities and still wash your hands.' Signup and view all the answers

Which example of a therapeutic communication technique would be effective in planning?

'We've discussed past coping skills. Let's see if these coping skills can be effective now.' Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing response is therapeutic for a client feeling bad about their mother not wanting them home?

'You feel that your mother does not want you to come back home?' Signup and view all the answers

Which communication block is exemplified by the nurse's response, 'Hang in there. Don't you think she has a lot to learn about life?'

Making stereotyped comments Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing statement is a good example of the therapeutic communication technique of giving recognition?

'I notice you are wearing a new dress and you have washed your hair.' Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing statement is an example of verbalizing the implied?

'You seem to be motivated to change your behavior.' Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Therapeutic Communication Techniques

Making Observations: Noting a client's nonverbal cues, such as smiling while discussing violence, prompts further exploration of emotions.
Restatement: Repeating a client's main idea (e.g., "Your father was a harsh disciplinarian") to confirm understanding and encourage continuation of dialogue.
Formulating a Plan of Action: Encouraging clients to explore alternatives to maladaptive behaviors, such as asking about alternatives to alcohol for anxiety relief.
Offering General Leads: Statements like "Yes, I see. Go on." invite clients to share more information and promote open dialogue.
Giving False Reassurance: Phrases like "Things will look better tomorrow" can minimize the client's feelings and create a disconnect between nurse and client.
Broad Opening: Asking "What would you like to talk about?" empowers the client to direct their discussion, enhancing their involvement in the therapeutic process.
Verbalizing Implied Feelings: Identifying and articulating the emotional responses of clients can foster deeper understanding and address hidden concerns.

Nonverbal Communication

SOLER Acronym: A framework for effective nonverbal communication:
- S: Sitting squarely facing the client.
- O: Open posture (uncrossed arms and legs).
- L: Leaning slightly forward.
- E: Establishing eye contact.
- R: Relaxing to convey comfort and safety.

Effective Feedback

Descriptive Feedback: Focused on observable behaviors, such as "During group, you raised your voice." This model helps clients understand how their actions are perceived without judgment.
Encouraging Exploration: Nurses should guide discussions towards evaluating options and independent decision-making, such as discussing living arrangements with clients.

Communication Blocks

Giving Approval: Seeking to validate client behaviors can create dependency; hence, it is viewed as a nontherapeutic technique.
Stereotyped Comments: Using clichés, such as dismissive phrases, detracts from meaningful communication.

Therapeutic Responses and Techniques

Reflection: Addressing feelings by saying statements like, "You're feeling guilty..." helps clients clarify emotional responses.
Encouraging Coping Skills: Nurses should assist clients in applying effective coping strategies from the past to current situations.
Exploring Client Experiences: Delving deeper into the reasons behind hospitalization or emotional states aids in comprehensive understanding and intervention.

Understanding Client Needs

Distinction Between Information and Advice: Educators stress that clients are responsible for their decisions; thus, nurses should guide rather than dictate choices.
Touch in Communication: Nurses should approach touch with caution, acknowledging its variable significance and ensuring it is appropriate in therapeutic settings.### Touch and Empathy
Touch can provoke both positive and negative reactions depending on context and individuals involved.
Combining touch with empathy is effective for addressing anxiety in clients.

Therapeutic Communication Techniques

Focusing: Directing conversation on a particular topic enhances client clarity. Example: "You mentioned your relationship with your father. Let's discuss that further."
Feedback: Appropriate feedback should concern behaviors the client can modify. Example: "I see that you are upset, but I feel uncomfortable when you swear at me."
Belittling Feelings: Statements that minimize client emotions can lead to a lack of empathy. Example: "Don't worry. Everything will be alright."
Reflection: Encourages clients to express and recognize feelings. Example: "You've been feeling sad and alone for some time now?"

Communication Blocks

Requesting an Explanation: Asking clients to justify their feelings can intimidate them, suggesting they must defend their emotional state. Example: "Can you tell me why you said that?"
Exploring: In-depth discussion of specific events or situations helps clients articulate their experiences. Example: "Describe what happened during your time with your husband."

Presenting Reality

Effective for clients experiencing hallucinations. It involves clarifying the nurse's observations to help clients distinguish between misperceptions and reality. Example: "I understand that the voices seem real to you, but I do not hear any voices."

Offering Self

This technique increases client self-worth by showing unconditional support. Example: "Would you like me to accompany you to your electroconvulsive therapy treatment?"

Defense Mechanisms

Denial: A client may refuse to acknowledge their feelings, as seen when they outright deny emotions conveyed by their actions. Example: Client says, "I'm not angry," despite showing anger through behavior.

Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal cues can communicate messages effectively, accounting for up to 90% of communication. Examples include physical actions like spanking, isolating behavior, tattoos, and written expressions.

Client Behavior and Communication

Various actions and expressions are forms of communication. For instance, a mother spanking her child and a teenager isolating themselves both send strong messages about emotions and states of being.

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Test your knowledge of therapeutic communication techniques used in nursing practices with these flashcards. This quiz will challenge you to identify techniques based on nurse-client interactions, promoting better understanding and application in real-life scenarios.

Nursing Chapter 8: Therapeutic Communication

Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of the therapeutic communication technique of exploring?

Which response by the nursing instructor is best when a student nurse expresses concern about providing advice to a client?

What does the instructor say about the appropriate use of touch when communicating with clients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders?

Which nursing statement is a good example of the therapeutic communication technique of focusing?

What is the nurse's best response when a client expresses anger after a canceled blood test?

Which nursing statement may belittle the client's feelings and concerns?

What is an appropriate initial response to a client expressing feelings of worthlessness?

Which nursing response illustrates nontherapeutic communication by requesting an explanation?

Which nursing response best assesses a situation when a client describes a negative interaction with their spouse?

What is the best nursing response to a client experiencing auditory hallucinations?

Which nursing statement is a good example of the therapeutic communication technique of offering self?

What therapeutic communication technique did the nurse employ when stating, 'You seem angry,' and how is the client demonstrating a defense mechanism?

Which of the following individuals are communicating a message? (Select all that apply)

Which therapeutic communication technique is being used in this nurse-client interaction? Client: 'When I get angry, I get into a fistfight with my wife or I take it out on the kids.' Nurse: 'I notice that you are smiling as you talk about this physical violence.'

Which therapeutic communication technique is being used in this nurse-client interaction? Client: 'My father spanked me often.' Nurse: 'Your father was a harsh disciplinarian.'

Which therapeutic communication technique is being used in this nurse-client interaction? Client: 'When I am anxious, the only thing that calms me down is alcohol.' Nurse: 'Other than drinking, what alternatives have you explored to decrease anxiety?'

Which nursing statement is an example of offering a 'general lead'?

A nurse states to a client, 'Things will look better tomorrow after a good night's sleep.' This is an example of which communication technique?

Which therapeutic communication technique used by the nurse is an example of a broad opening?

Which therapeutic communication technique used by the nurse is an example of making observations?

A nurse maintains an uncrossed arm and leg posture. This nonverbal behavior is reflective of which letter of the SOLER acronym for active listening?

Which instructor statement is the best example of effective feedback?

Which communication technique has the group leader employed? 'I'm so proud of you for being assertive. You are so good!'

What is the purpose of a nurse providing appropriate feedback?

Which appropriate feedback should a nurse provide when a client with antisocial personality disorder experiences an angry outburst?

Which nursing response is most appropriate for a client with dependent personality disorder asking about moving out?

Which nursing statement reflects the nonverbal behavior of sitting squarely, facing the client?

What is an example of reflection in a nurse's response?

Which nursing statement best addresses a client with OCD who washes hands continually?

Which example of a therapeutic communication technique would be effective in planning?

Which nursing response is therapeutic for a client feeling bad about their mother not wanting them home?

Which communication block is exemplified by the nurse's response, 'Hang in there. Don't you think she has a lot to learn about life?'

Which nursing statement is a good example of the therapeutic communication technique of giving recognition?

Which nursing statement is an example of verbalizing the implied?

Study Notes

Therapeutic Communication Techniques

Nonverbal Communication

Effective Feedback

Communication Blocks

Therapeutic Responses and Techniques

Understanding Client Needs

Therapeutic Communication Techniques

Communication Blocks

Presenting Reality

Offering Self

Defense Mechanisms

Nonverbal Communication

Client Behavior and Communication

Studying That Suits You

Description

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