Ch 6 Communication Prep U

Which would be the least optimal environment for therapeutic communication for a client who has difficulty maintaining boundaries? A) The client's room B) A conference room C) The end of a hall D) An interview room

A) The client's room

The therapeutic communication interaction is most comfortable when the nurse and the client are how far apart? A) 18 to 36 inches B) 3 to 6 feet C) 0 to 18 inches D) 12 to 25 feet

B) 3 to 6 feet

A nurse is engaging in an interpersonal interaction with a young adult client who is admitted to the hospital with suicidal ideation. The client states, "I am really not good at anything." How should the nurse respond to the client's statement? A) "You just need to keep a positive attitude." B) "Everyone is good at something." C) "I have a really difficult time believing that." D) "Did you go to relaxation group today?"

C) "I have a really difficult time believing that."

The nurse is talking with the client and demonstrates concern for the way the client is feeling by using verbal affirmations and paraphrasing to show understanding. What communication techniques are being used by the nurse? A) empathetic linkages B) self disclosure C) active listening D) self awareness

C) active listening

A nurse responds to a client's statement with silence based on the rationale that this technique is used primarily to: A) encourage self-reflection by the nurse. B) allow the nurse to determine an appropriate response. C) permit clients to gather their thoughts. D) demonstrate passive listening.

C) permit clients to gather their thoughts.

Which of the following are examples of a therapeutic communication response? Select all that apply: A) "Don't worry—everybody has a bad day occasionally." B) "I don't think your mother will appreciate that behavior." C) "Let's talk about something else." D) "Tell me more about your discharge plans." E) "That sounds like a great idea." F) "What might you do the next time you're feeling angry?"

D & F

Which form of nonverbal communication would be least effective for the nurse to engage in to demonstrate interest in and acceptance of the client? A) Facing the client at eye level B) Sitting behind a desk C) Keeping arms and legs uncrossed D) Leaning slightly forward toward the client

B) Sitting behind a desk

The nurse is offering an demonstration session on what is done in group. Which client(s) would the nurse determine as conveying a message? Select all that apply. A) a girl with headphones playing loud music away from everyone else B) the teenager who writes "No one loves me" in a journal C) the mother checking her makeup in a mirror D) a boy displaying a rainbow tattoo on his arm E) the father slapping his son for picking a wallet from a pocket

A) a girl with headphones playing loud music away from everyone else B) the teenager who writes "No one loves me" in a journal D) a boy displaying a rainbow tattoo on his arm E) the father slapping his son for picking a wallet from a pocket

Which of the following is a concrete message? A) "Help me put this pile of books on Marsha's desk." B) "Get this out of here." C) "When is she coming home?" D) "They said it is too early to get in."

A) "Help me put this pile of books on Marsha's desk."

A nurse is assessing an elderly client with a cardiac disorder. Which statement given by the client conveys an abstract message? Choose the best answer. A) "I don't really know how it all started. It just happened." B) "The sudden onset of my chest pain got my spouse extremely stressed out." C) "The chest pain is severe enough to disable me from doing my work." D) "I suddenly had dull pain around the jaw and neck region."

A) "I don't really know how it all started. It just happened."

Which statement by the nurse is an example of assertive communication? A) "I understand that group can be difficult to attend but coming late is disruptive." B) "I'm so happy that you finally decided to join us here in group." C) "You are so rude; I just won't tolerate that in my group." D) "Oh, you must be really busy to be this late getting to group."

A) "I understand that group can be difficult to attend but coming late is disruptive."

A client says, "Nobody listens to me; even you don't!" Which response is most therapeutic? A) "It sounds like you're feeling unappreciated." B) "I listen to you." C) "It sounds like you're overreacting somewhat." D) "Why do you say I don't listen to you?"

A) "It sounds like you're feeling unappreciated."

The nurse is caring for a client with cellulitis. The client responds, "I feel kind of 'blah'," after the nurse asks, "How do you feel?" After the client's reply, the nurse states, "Can you tell me what 'blah' feels like?" The client responds, "I don't have any energy, and I don't feel like doing anything." Using therapeutic communication, how should the nurse respond? A) "Let's talk about infections, and how they heal." B) "Oh, it is just the infection; in a day or so you'll feel better." C) "Why don't you call a friend in to watch TV with you?" D) "Why don't you just rest in bed?"

A) "Let's talk about infections, and how they heal."

A client on the psychiatric mental health unit has a care plan that includes a break for cigarettes every hour during the afternoon if the client follows the behavioral plan to attend the morning group on anger management. The client asks, "I couldn't get to my group this morning because I overslept. Can I just this one time go for a cigarette now?" Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic? A) "No, Joe. Your plan says that you need to attend that group in order to have cigarette breaks." B) "Joe, let's review your care plan and discuss whether or not it needs to be revised." C) "Why do you think you should be allowed to go for a break?" D) "Well, I know you were tired from last night. You can go at 2 p.m."

A) "No, Joe. Your plan says that you need to attend that group in order to have cigarette breaks."

"Get the stuff from him" is an example of which type of message? A) Abstract B) Clear C) Direct D) Concrete

A) Abstract

"Earlier today you said you were concerned that your son was still upset with you. When I stopped by your room about an hour ago, you and your son seemed relaxed and smiling as you spoke to each other. How did things go between the two of you?" This is an example of which therapeutic communication technique? A) Consensual validation B) Encouraging comparison C) Accepting D) General lead

A) Consensual validation

Which type of cue is being used when the client states, "Nothing can help me"? A) Covert B) Overt C) Intentional D) Clear

A) Covert

Which verbal cue refers to accents on words or phrases that highlight the subject or give insight on the topic? A) Emphasis B) Intensity C) Pitch D) Tone

A) Emphasis

When providing information about anorexia to a client, the nurse can ensure that the client can accurately comprehend the information by doing what? A) Presenting the information using language and terms the client will understand B) Giving the client ample opportunity to ask questions C) Being careful not to overload the client with too much information at one time D) Interacting with the client in a nonthreatening, respectful manner

A) Presenting the information using language and terms the client will understand

The nurse is working with a client from the Middle East. The nurse maintains a distance of approximately 13 feet from the client while talking. The client says that the client is uncomfortable when the nurse talks to the client from such a long distance. How should the nurse interpret this statement? A) The client feels that the nurse is indifferent toward the client. B) The client feels that the nurse is not doing the job properly. C) The client feels that the nurse is invading the client's personal zone. D) The client is not maintaining boundaries.

A) The client feels that the nurse is indifferent toward the client

The nurse is sitting behind a table while speaking to a client on the other side of the table. What is the most appropriate reason for this nurse's action? A) The client may have difficulty maintaining spacial boundaries. B) The client can open up easily. C) The client can communicate freely. D) The client may be physically expressive.

A) The client may have difficulty maintaining spacial boundaries.

"How does Jerry make you upset?" is a nontherapeutic communication technique because it gives a literal response. A) indicates an external source of the emotion. B) interprets what the client is saying. C) is just another stereotyped comment.

A) indicates an external source of the emotion.

The advantages of assertive communication are (select all that apply) : A) All persons' rights are respected. B) It gains approval from others. C) It protects the speaker from being exploited. D) The speaker can say "no" to another person's request. E) The speaker can safely express thoughts and feelings. F) The speaker will get his or her needs met.

A, C, D, E

A client who is experiencing depression states, "I can't seem to do anything to take care of myself, how can I get going?" What is the nurse's best response? A) "I think you need to take a shower." B) "I notice it has been a while since you have had a shower." C) "Why haven't you taken a shower yet?" D) "Don't worry, take as long as you need before you get going."

B) "I notice it has been a while since you have had a shower."

Choose the most therapeutic response to the client's statement, "All I feel like doing is screaming as loudly as I can." A) "Who has made you so upset?" B) "You look like you are very angry this morning." C) "Please calm down; everything is going to be better." D) "I wish you could try to be more positive."

B) "You look like you are very angry this morning."

Which statement by the nurse reflects the use of a therapeutic statement? A) "I understand your husband passed away. I couldn't bear that." B) "You look upset. Would you like to talk about it?" C) "You look very sad. How long have you been this way? Have you been taking care of yourself?" D) "I'd like to know more about your children. Tell me about them."

B) "You look upset. Would you like to talk about it?"

"Why do you always complain about the night nurse? She is a nice woman and a fine nurse and has five kids to support. You're wrong when you say she is noisy and uncaring." This example reflects which nontherapeutic technique? A) Requesting an explanation B) Defending C) Disagreeing D) Advising

B) Defending

When the nurse states, "Tell me more about that," the nurse is utilizing which communication technique? A) Accepting B) Exploring C) Focusing D) Formulating a plan of action

B) Exploring

A group of students is reviewing the process of verbal communication. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which as the first component of the process? A) Message transmission B) Formulation of an idea C) Message encoding D) Message reception

B) Formulation of an idea

Which zone is a distance that is comfortable between family and friends who are talking? A) Intimate B) Personal C) Public D) Social

B) Personal

Which would not be considered a goal of therapeutic communication? A) Guiding the client in problem solving B) Self-exploration of feelings by the nurse C) Active listening D) Establishing rapport

B) Self-exploration of feelings by the nurse

When engaged in therapeutic communication with a client who has a mental disorder, which is the most important for a nurse to keep in mind? A) The client's conversations should be recorded. B) The client is the primary focus of the interaction. C) The nurse should have an empathetic relationship with the client. D) The nurse should self-disclose when indicated.

B) The client is the primary focus of the interaction.

The nurse is caring for a client with severe depression. The client tells the nurse, "I really just want to sleep and not have to wake up." What may the nurse interpret from this covert cue? A) The client may want to sleep. B) The client may have suicidal ideations. C) The client may need a break to reduce stress. D) The client may be extremely fatigued.

B) The client may have suicidal ideations.

Client: "I was so upset about my sister ignoring my pain when I broke my leg." Nurse: "When are you going to your next diabetes education program?" This is a nontherapeutic response because the nurse has: A) used testing to evaluate the client's insight. B) changed the topic. C) exhibited an egocentric focus. D) advised the client what to do.

B) changed the topic.

A group of nursing students is role playing situations to practice using therapeutic communication techniques. What would the students identify as verbal communication? A) gestures B) emotion underlying the words C) body language D) expressions

B) emotion underlying the words

A nursing student is caring for a client who has been arrested for child abuse. The nurse is very curious about what the client must have done to get into so much trouble, so the nurse asks the client to tell the nurse about the various activities that got the client arrested. This is an example of: A) lack of awareness. B) excessive probing. C) genuineness and caring. D) gathering assessment data.

B) excessive probing.

The client tells the nurse, "My mom is coming in to see me today," while sighing and looking out the window. The nurse states, "You don't seem very excited about the visit, is everything OK?" The client affirms. Using therapeutic communication, how should the nurse respond? A) "I need to know why you are sad." B) "Why are you sad about your mother's visit?" C) "I'm concerned that you are not excited about your mother's visit, We can talk if you want." D) "Is your mother giving you trouble for being here?"

C) "I'm concerned that you are not excited about your mother's visit, We can talk if you want."

When the client says, "I met Joe at the dance last week," what is the best way for the nurse to ask the client to describe her relationship with Joe? A) "Joe who?" B) "Tell me about Joe." C) "Tell me about you and Joe." D) "Joe, you mean that blond guy with the dark blue eyes?"

C) "Tell me about you and Joe."

Get the stuff from him" is an example of which type of message? A) Direct B) Clear C) Abstract D) Concrete

C) Abstract

A client expresses to the nurse that the client has been unable to sleep due to work. The nurse asks the client, "Do you mean that the work in the office is causing stress, which is why you are not able to sleep?" Which type of therapeutic communication technique is this conversation indicative of? A) Broad openings B) Accepting C) Consensual validation D) Encouraging comparison

C) Consensual validation

When the nurse states, "Tell me more about that," the nurse is utilizing which communication technique? A) Accepting B) Formulating a plan of action C) Exploring D) Focusing

C) Exploring

Client: "I had an accident." Nurse: "Tell me about your accident." This is an example of which therapeutic communication technique? A) Making observations B) Offering self C) General lead D) Reflection

C) General lead

Which communication technique involves giving encouragement to the client, enabling continuance of the conversation and indicting that the nurse is listening? A) Focusing B) Exploring C) General leads D) Accepting

C) General leads

The nurse is talking with the client about lowering cholesterol and raising high density lipoproteins (HDLs). The nurse states, "Niacin with applesauce helps to prevent the flushing sensation that often accompanies taking this drug." What is the nurse providing with this statement? A) self-awareness B) empathetic linkages C) self-disclosure D) active listening

C) self-disclosure

A client has repeatedly been physically abused by the spouse. The client asks the nurse whether to leave the spouse like the mother has demanded. The nurse responds mosttherapeutically when answering: A) "What do you think your spouse would do if you leave?" B) "Your mother doesn't have the right to demand that; it's your decision." C) "Your mother may be right; I'd consider what she is saying." D) "How would leaving your spouse make you feel?"

D) "How would leaving your spouse make you feel?"

A psychiatric-mental health nurse has been off of work for the past 4 days, as per the normal work schedule on the unit. On the nurse's first day back, a longterm client says, "I haven't seen you around here since Thursday. How was your time off?" What is the nurse's most appropriate response? A) "How do you like to spend your time when you're able to do whatever you like?" B) "I'm not at liberty to talk about my personal life outside of work, unfortunately. How have you been?" C) "If you had to guess, what do you think I might have done on my days off?" D) "I've been off for the past four days. What have you done since I last saw you?"

D) "I've been off for the past four days. What have you done since I last saw you?"

The nurse has entered a client's room and observed that the client has removed the mattress from the bed and is closely scrutinizing the spaces in the bed frame. Which statement is mostlikely to elicit an explanation of the client's behavior? A) "What are you looking for in the bed? There's nothing hidden there." B) "What's wrong with your bed?" C) "Are you having any delusions or hallucinations right now?" D) "It looks like you're searching for something. Is that right?"

D) "It looks like you're searching for something. Is that right?"

A nurse needs to encourage a client who is Hispanic and has severe depression to express the client's feelings. What distance between the nurse and the client may help facilitate therapeutic communication? A) 15 to 18 feet B) 15 to 18 inches C) 10 to 12 inches D) 3 to 6 feet

D) 3 to 6 feet

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a decline in the client's chronic illness. The nurse feels that the nurse should speak to the client's spouse, who is extremely worried and anxious, and provide the spouse with support. Which setting should the nurse select to speak to the spouse? Choose the best answer. A) The cafeteria B) The hallway C) The client's room D) The consultation room

D) The consultation room

Which is often considered the most difficult yet most effective communication technique? A) reflecting B) clarifying C) restating D) silence

D) silence