Chap 8 Questions
A nurse prepares a patient in a rural community for an initial telehealth visit with the HCP. Select the nurse's priority action. a. Ensure that the patient's rights to privacy are respected. b. Ask the patient, "How much do you know about the Internet?" c. Inform the patient, "This experience will be like appearing on television." d. Advise the patient, "You will be able to hear, but not see, your HCP."
ANS: A Telehealth is a live interactive mechanism used to track clinical progress and provide access to people who otherwise might not receive good medical or psychosocial help. The nurse should accurately provide education about this mechanism and ensure the patient's right to privacy.
After assertiveness training, a formerly passive client appropriately confronts a peer in group therapy. The group leader states, "I'm so proud of you for being assertive. You are so good!" Which communication technique has the leader employed? A. The nontherapeutic technique of giving approval B. The nontherapeutic technique of interpreting C. The therapeutic technique of presenting reality D. The therapeutic technique of making observations
ANS: A The group leader has employed the nontherapeutic technique of giving approval. Giving approval implies that the nurse has the right to pass judgment on whether the client's ideas or behaviors are "good" or "bad." This creates a conditional acceptance of the client.
A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with schizophrenia for the presence of hallucinations. Which therapeutic communication technique used by the nurse is an example of making observations? A. "You appear to be talking to someone I do not see." B. "Please describe what you are seeing." C. "Why do you continually look in the corner of this room?" D. "If you hum a tune, the voices may not be so distracting."
ANS: A The nurse is making an observation when stating, "You appear to be talking to someone I do not see." Making observations involves verbalizing what is observed or perceived. This encourages the client to recognize specific behaviors and make comparisons with the nurse's perceptions.
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." A. Restatement B. Offering general leads C. Focusing D. Accepting
ANS: A The nurse is using the therapeutic communication technique of restatement. Restatement involves repeating the main idea of what the client has said. The nurse uses this technique to communicate that the client's statement has been heard and understood.
Which example of a therapeutic communication technique would be effective in the planning phase of the nursing process? A. "We've discussed past coping skills. Let's see if these coping skills can be effective now." B. "Please tell me in your own words what brought you to the hospital." C. "This new approach worked for you. Keep it up." D. "I notice that you seem to be responding to voices that I do not hear."
ANS: A 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 patient has been out of work 3 weeks with a major illness and anticipates another month of recovery. The patient tells the nurse, "I'm trying to keep up with my work email from home. They hired a new person in my department but the person has no experience." Select the nurse's therapeutic response. a. "It sounds like you're saying you are worried about your job security." b. "No one expects you to keep pace with your job while you're recovering." c. "Your employer is required to hold your job for you while you're on sick leave." d. "Don't worry about your job right now. It's more important for you to recover."
ANS: A This response demonstrates reflection
A Mexican-American patient puts a picture of the Virgin Mary on the bedside table. Under which section of the assessment should the nurse document this behavior? a. Culture b. Ethnicity c. Verbal communication d. Nonverbal communication
ANS: A Cultural heritage is expressed through language, works of art, music, dance, ethnic clothing, customs, traditions, diet, and expressions of spirituality. This patient's prominent placement of the picture is an example of expression of cultural heritage.
While talking with a patient with severe depression, a nurse notices the patient is unable to maintain eye contact. The patient's chin lowers to the chest while the patient looks at the floor. Which aspect of communication has the nurse assessed? a. Nonverbal communication b. A message filter c. A cultural barrier d. Social skills
ANS: A Eye contact and body movements are considered nonverbal communication. Insufficient data are available to determine the level of the patient's social skills or whether a cultural barrier exists.
A patient is having difficulty making a decision. The nurse has mixed feelings about whether to provide advice. Which principle usually applies? Giving advice: a. Is rarely helpful. b. Fosters independence. c. Lifts the burden of personal decision making. d. Helps the patient develop feelings of personal adequacy.
ANS: A Giving advice fosters dependence on the nurse and interferes with the patient's right to make personal decisions. Giving advice also robs patients of the opportunity to weigh alternatives and to develop problem-solving skills. Furthermore, it contributes to patient feelings of personal inadequacy. It also keeps the nurse in control and feeling powerful.
Which technique will best communicate to a patient that the nurse is interested in listening? a. Restate a feeling or thought the patient has expressed. b. Ask a direct question, such as "Did you feel angry?" c. Make a judgment about the patient's problem. d. Say, "I understand what you're saying."
ANS: A Restating allows the patient to validate the nurse's understanding of what has been communicated. Restating is an active listening technique. Judgments should be suspended in a nurse-patient relationship. Closed-ended questions such as, "Did you feel angry?" ask for specific information rather than show understanding. When the nurse simply states that he or she understands the patient's words, the patient has no way of measuring the understanding.
When a female Mexican-American patient and a female nurse sit together, the patient often holds the nurse's hand. The patient also links arm and arm with the nurse when they walk. The nurse is uncomfortable with this behavior and thinks the patient is homosexual. Which alternative is a more accurate assessment? a. The patient is accustomed to touch during conversations, as are members of many Hispanic subcultures. b. The patient understands that touch makes the nurse uncomfortable and controls the relationship based on that factor. c. The patient is afraid of being alone. When touching the nurse, the patient is reassured and comforted. d. The nurse is homophobic
ANS: A The most likely answer is that the patient's behavior is culturally influenced. Hispanic women frequently touch women they consider to be their friends. Although the other options are possible, they are less likely.
Which benefits are most associated with the use of telehealth? Select all that apply. a. Cost savings for patients b. Maximization of care management c. Access to services for patients in rural areas d. Prompt reimbursement by third-party payers e. Rapid development of trusting relationships with patients
ANS: A, B, C Use of telehealth technologies has shown that it can maximize health and improve disease management skills and confidence with the disease process. Many rural patients have felt disconnected from services; telehealth technologies can solve these problems. Although telehealth's improved health outcomes regularly show cost savings for payers, one significant barrier is the current lack of reimbursement for remote patient monitoring by third-party payers. Telehealth is not associated with rapid development of trusting relationships.
A mother rescues two of her four children from a house fire. In an emergency department, she cries, "I should have gone back in to get them. I should have died, not them." Which of the following responses by the nurse is an example of reflection? A. "The smoke was too thick. You couldn't have gone back in." B. "You're feeling guilty because you weren't able to save your children." C. "Focus on the fact that you could have lost all four of your children." D. "It's best if you try not to think about what happened. Try to move on."
ANS: B The best response by the nurse is, "You're experiencing feelings of guilt because you weren't able to save your children." This response utilizes the therapeutic communication technique of reflection, which identifies a client's emotional response and reflects these feelings back to the client so that they may be recognized and accepted.
A client diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder is admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit for evaluation and medication stabilization. Which therapeutic communication technique used by the nurse is an example of a broad opening? A. "What occurred prior to the rape, and when did you go to the emergency department?" B. "What would you like to talk about?" C. "I notice you seem uncomfortable discussing this." D. "How can we help you feel safe during your stay here?"
ANS: B The nurse's statement, "What would you like to talk about?" is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of giving broad openings. Using a broad opening allows the client to take the initiative in introducing the topic and emphasizes the importance of the client's role in the interaction.
An adult experiencing a recent exacerbation of ulcer colitis tells the nurse, "I had an accident while I was at the grocery store. It was so embarrassing." Select the nurse's therapeutic response. a. "Most grocery stores have public restrooms available." b. "Tell me more about how you felt when that happened." c. "People usually have compassion about those types of events." d. "Your disease is now in remission so that likely won't happen again."
ANS: B This response encourages description and helps the patient to express feelings related to this experience.
An African-American patient says to a Caucasian nurse, "There's no sense talking. You wouldn't understand because you live in a white world." The nurse's best action would be to: a. explain, "Yes, I do understand. Everyone goes through the same experiences." b. say, "Please give an example of something you think I wouldn't understand." c. reassure the patient that nurses are in contact with people from all cultures. d. change the subject to one that is less emotionally disturbing.
ANS: B Having the patient speak in specifics rather than globally helps the nurse understand the patient's perspective. This approach helps the nurse engage the patient.
A patient with paranoid schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The CIA is monitoring us through the fluorescent lights in this room. Be careful what you say." Which response by the nurse would be most therapeutic? a. "Let's talk about something other than the CIA." b. "It sounds like you're concerned about your privacy." c. "The CIA is prohibited from operating in health care facilities." d. "You have lost touch with reality, which is a symptom of your illness."
ANS: B It is important not to challenge the patient's beliefs, even if they are unrealistic. Challenging undermines the patient's trust in the nurse. The nurse should try to understand the underlying feelings or thoughts the patient's message conveys. The correct response uses the therapeutic technique of reflection. The other comments are non-therapeutic. Asking to talk about something other than the concern at hand is changing the subject. Saying that the CIA is prohibited from operating in health care facilities gives false reassurance. Stating that the patient has lost touch with reality is truthful but non-compassionate.
The patient says, "My marriage is just great. My spouse and I usually agree on everything." The nurse observes the patient's foot moving continuously as the patient twirls a shirt button. What conclusion can the nurse draw? The patient's communication is: a. clear. b. mixed. c. precise. d. inadequate
ANS: B Mixed messages involve the transmission of conflicting or in-congruent messages by the speaker. The patient's verbal message that all is well in the relationship is modified by the nonverbal behaviors denoting anxiety. Data are not present to support the choice of the verbal message being clear, explicit, or inadequate.
A patient with acute depression states, "God is punishing me for my past sins." What is the nurse's best response? a. "Why do you think that?" b. "You sound very upset about this." c. "You believe God is punishing you for your sins?" d. "If you feel this way, you should talk to a member of your clergy."
ANS: B The nurse reflects on the patient's comment, a therapeutic technique to encourage sharing for perceptions and feelings. The incorrect responses reflect probing, closed-ended comments, and giving advice, all of which are non-therapeutic.
During the first interview with a parent whose child died in a car accident, the nurse feels empathic and reaches out to take the patient's hand. Select the correct analysis of the nurse's behavior. a. It shows empathy and compassion. It will encourage the patient to continue to express feelings. b. The gesture is premature. The patient's cultural and individual interpretation of touch is unknown. c. The patient will perceive the gesture as intrusive and overstepping boundaries. d. The action is inappropriate. Patients in a psychiatric setting should not be touched.
ANS: B Touch has various cultural and individual interpretations. Nurses should refrain from using touch until an assessment can be made regarding the way in which the patient will perceive touch. The other options present prematurely drawn conclusions.
The relationship between a nurse and patient as it relates to status and power is best described by which term? a. Symmetric b. Complementary c. Incongruent d. Paralinguistic
ANS: B When a difference in power exists, as between a student and teacher or between a nurse and patient, the relationship is said to be complementary. Symmetrical relationships exist between individuals of like or equal status. Incongruent and paralinguistic are not terms used to describe relationships.
A patient cries as the nurse explores the patient's relationship with a deceased parent. The patient says, "I shouldn't be crying like this. It happened a long time ago." Which responses by the nurse will facilitate communication? Select all that apply. a. "Why do you think you are so upset?" b. "I can see that you feel sad about this situation." c. "The loss of your parent is very painful for you." d. "Crying is a way of expressing the hurt you're experiencing." e. "Let's talk about something else because this subject is upsetting you.
ANS: B, C, D Reflecting ("I can see that you feel sad" or "This is very painful for you") and giving information ("Crying is a way of expressing hurt") are therapeutic techniques. "Why" questions often imply criticism or seem intrusive or judgmental, and they are difficult to answer. Changing the subject is a barrier to communication.
An instructor is correcting a nursing student's clinical worksheet. Which instructor statement is the best example of effective feedback? A. "Why did you use the client's name on your clinical worksheet?" B. "You were very careless to refer to your client by name on your clinical worksheet." C. "I noticed that you used the client's name in your written process recording. That is a breach of confidentiality." D. "It is disappointing that after being told, you're still using client names on your worksheet."
ANS: C The instructor's statement, "I noticed that you used the client's name in your written process recording," is an example of effective feedback. Feedback is a method of communication to help others consider a modification of behavior. Feedback should be descriptive, specific, and directed toward a behavior that the person has the capacity to modify and should impart information rather than offer advice or criticism.
A client diagnosed with dependent personality disorder states, "Do you think I should move from my parent's house and get a job?" Which nursing response is most appropriate? A. "It would be best to do that in order to increase independence." B. "Why would you want to leave a secure home?" C. "Let's discuss and explore all of your options." D. "I'm afraid you would feel very guilty leaving your parents."
ANS: C The most appropriate response by the nurse is, "Let's discuss and explore all of your options." In this example, the nurse is encouraging the client to formulate ideas and decide independently the appropriate course of action.
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?" A. Reflecting B. Making observations C. Formulating a plan of action D. Giving recognition
ANS: C The nurse is using the therapeutic communication technique of formulating a plan of action to help the client explore alternatives to drinking alcohol. The use of this technique, rather than direct confrontation regarding the client's poor coping choice, may serve to prevent anger or anxiety from escalating.
The nurse is interviewing a newly admitted psychiatric client. Which nursing statement is an example of offering a "general lead"? A. "Do you know why you are here?" B. "Are you feeling depressed or anxious?" C. "Yes, I see. Go on." D. "Can you chronologically order the events that led to your admission?"
ANS: C The nurse's statement, "Yes, I see. Go on," is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of a general lead. Offering a general lead encourages the client to continue sharing information.
In which nurse-patient interaction would it be appropriate for the nurse to consider using touch? a. Comforting a tearful patient of Japanese heritage b. Counseling a child who was physically abused by a parent c. Welcoming a person of Hispanic heritage to a new group session d. Interacting with a Native American who has a hearing impairment
ANS: C Therapeutic touch is a basic aspect of the nurse-patient relationship and often perceived as a gesture of warmth and friendship, but the response to touch is culturally defined. Many Hispanic Americans are accustomed to frequent physical contact and perceive it in a positive way.
When interviewing a client, which nonverbal behavior should a nurse employ? A. Maintaining indirect eye contact with the client B. Providing space by leaning back away from the client C. Sitting squarely, facing the client D. Maintaining open posture with arms and legs crossed
ANS: C When interviewing a client, the nurse should employ the nonverbal behavior of sitting squarely, facing the client. Facilitative skills for active listening can be identified by the acronym SOLER. SOLER includes sitting squarely facing the client (S), open posture when interacting with a client (O), leaning forward toward the client (L), establishing eye contact (E), and relaxing (R).
A patient discloses several concerns and associated feelings. If the nurse wants to seek clarification, which comment would be appropriate? a. "What are the common elements here?" b. "Tell me again about your experiences." c. "Am I correct in understanding that...?" d. "Tell me everything from the beginning."
ANS: C Asking, "Am I correct in understanding that...?" permits clarification to ensure that both the nurse and patient share mutual understanding of the communication. Asking about common elements encourages comparison rather than clarification. The remaining responses are implied questions that suggest the nurse was not listening.
A patient tells the nurse, "I don't think I'll ever get out of here." Select the nurse's most therapeutic response. a. "Don't talk that way. Of course you will leave here!" b. "Keep up the good work and you certainly will." c. "You don't think you're making progress?" d. "Everyone feels that way sometimes."
ANS: C By asking if the patient does not believe that progress has been made, the nurse is reflecting by putting into words what the patient is hinting. By making communication more explicit, issues are easier to identify and resolve. The remaining options are non-therapeutic techniques. Telling the patient not to "talk that way" is disapproving. Saying that everyone feels that way at times minimizes feelings. Telling the patient that good work will always result in success is falsely reassuring.
Which principle should guide the nurse in determining the extent of silence to use during patient interview sessions? a. Nurses are responsible for breaking silences. b. Patients withdraw if silences are prolonged. c. Silence provides meaningful moments for reflection. d. Silence helps patients know that what they have said is understood
ANS: C Silence can be helpful to both participants by giving each an opportunity to contemplate what has transpired, weigh alternatives, and formulate ideas. A nurse breaking silences is not a principle related to silences. Saying that patients withdraw during long silences or that silence helps patients know that they are understood are both inaccurate statements. Feedback helps patients know they have been understood.
Documentation in a patient's chart shows, "Throughout a 5-minute interaction, patient fidgeted and tapped left foot, periodically covered face with hands, and looked under chair while stating, 'I enjoy spending time with you.'" Which analysis is most accurate? a. Patient is giving positive feedback about the nurse's communication techniques. b. Nurse is viewing the patient's behavior through a cultural filter. c. Patient's verbal and nonverbal messages are incongruent. d. Patient is demonstrating psychotic behaviors.
ANS: C When a verbal message is not reinforced with nonverbal behavior, the message is confusing and incongruent. Some clinicians call it a "mixed message." It is inaccurate to say that the patient is giving positive feedback about the nurse's communication techniques. The concept of a cultural filter is not relevant to the situation; a cultural filter determines what a person will pay attention to and what he or she will ignore. Data are insufficient to draw the conclusion that the patient is demonstrating psychotic behaviors.
A nurse counsels a widow whose husband died 5 yrs ago. The widow says, "If I'd done more, he would still be alive." Select the nurse's therapeutic response. a. "I understand how you feel after such a terrible loss." b. "That was a long time ago. Now it's time to move on with your life." c. "You did a very good job of caring for him, especially since he was sick so long." d. "Your husband was 82 yrs old with sever chronic obstructive pulmonary disease."
ANS: D The correct response presents reality. Giving advice, disagreeing, and changing the subject are non therapeutic communication techniques
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? A. "Everyone diagnosed with OCD needs to control their ritualistic behaviors." B. "It is important for you to discontinue these ritualistic behaviors." C. "Why are you asking for help if you won't participate in unit therapy?" D. "Let's figure out a way for you to attend unit activities and still wash your hands."
ANS: D 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.
A client who frequently exhibits angry outbursts is diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder. Which appropriate feedback should a nurse provide when this client experiences an angry outburst? A. "Why do you continue to alienate your peers by your angry outbursts?" B. "You accomplish nothing when you lose your temper like that." C. "Showing your anger in that manner is very childish and insensitive." D. "During group, you raised your voice, yelled at a peer, and slammed the door."
ANS: D The nurse is providing appropriate feedback when stating, "During group, you raised your voice, yelled at a peer, and slammed the door." Giving appropriate feedback involves helping the client consider a modification of behavior. Feedback should give information to the client about how he or she is perceived by others. Feedback should not be evaluative or be used to give advice.
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." A. Encouraging comparison B. Exploring C. Formulating a plan of action D. Making observations
ANS: D The nurse is using the therapeutic communication technique of making observations when noting that the client smiles when talking about physical violence. The technique of making observations encourages the client to compare personal perceptions with those of the nurse.
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? A. The therapeutic technique of "giving advice" B. The therapeutic technique of "defending" C. The nontherapeutic technique of "presenting reality" D. The nontherapeutic technique of "giving false reassurance"
ANS: D The nurse's statement, "Things will look better tomorrow after a good night's sleep," is an example of the nontherapeutic technique of giving false reassurance. Giving false reassurance indicates to the client that there is no cause for anxiety, thereby devaluing the client's feelings.
What is the purpose of a nurse providing appropriate feedback? A. To give the client good advice B. To advise the client on appropriate behaviors C. To evaluate the client's behavior D. To give the client critical information
ANS: D The purpose of providing appropriate feedback is to give the client critical information. Feedback should not be used to give advice or evaluate behaviors.
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? A. "It's quite common for clients to feel that way after a lengthy hospitalization." B. "Why don't you talk to your mother? You may find out she doesn't feel that way." C. "Your mother seems like an understanding person. I'll help you approach her." D. "You feel that your mother does not want you to come back home?"
ANS: D 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.
A nurse interacts with a newly hospitalized patient. Select the nurse's comment that applies the communication technique of "offering self." a. "I've also had traumatic life experiences. Maybe it would help if I told you about them." b. "Why do you think you had so much difficulty adjusting to this change in your life?" c. "I hope you will feel better after getting accustomed to how this unit operates." d. "I'd like to sit with you for a while to help you get comfortable talking to me."
ANS: D "Offering self" is a technique that should be used in the orientation phase of the nurse-patient relationship. Sitting with the patient, an example of "offering self," helps build trust and conveys that the nurse cares about the patient. Two incorrect responses are ineffective and non-therapeutic. The other incorrect response is therapeutic but an example of "offering hope."
A Puerto Rican-American patient uses dramatic body language when describing emotional discomfort. Which analysis most likely explains the patient's behavior? The patient: a. Has a histrionic personality disorder. b. Believes dramatic body language is sexually appealing. c. Wishes to impress staff with the degree of emotional pain. d. Belongs to a culture in which dramatic body language is the norm.
ANS: D Members of Hispanic-American subcultures tend to use high affect and dramatic body language as they communicate. The other options are more remote possibilities.
A Filipino-American patient had this nursing diagnosis: Situational low self-esteem, related to poor social skills as evidenced by lack of eye contact. Interventions were used to raise the patient's self-esteem; however, after 3 weeks, the patient's eye contact did not improve. What is the most accurate analysis of this scenario? a. The patient's eye contact should have been directly addressed by role-playing to increase comfort with eye contact. b. The nurse should not have independently embarked on assessment, diagnosis, and planning for this patient. c. The patient's poor eye contact is indicative of anger and hostility that remain unaddressed. d. The nurse should have assessed the patient's culture before making this diagnosis and plan.
ANS: D The amount of eye contact in which a person engages is often culturally determined. In some cultures, eye contact is considered insolent, whereas in other cultures, eye contact is expected. Asian Americans, including persons from the Philippines, often prefer not to engage in direct eye contact.
A patient says to the nurse, "I dreamed I was stoned. When I woke up, I felt emotionally drained, as though I hadn't rested well." Which comment would be appropriate if the nurse seeks clarification? a. "It sounds as though you were uncomfortable with the content of your dream." b. "I understand what you're saying. Bad dreams leave me feeling tired, too." c. "So, all in all, you feel as though you had a rather poor night's sleep?" d. "Can you give me an example of what you mean by 'stoned'?"
ANS: D The technique of clarification is therapeutic and helps the nurse examine the meaning of the patient's statement. Asking for a definition of "stoned" directly asks for clarification. Restating that the patient is uncomfortable with the dream's content is parroting, a non-therapeutic technique. The other responses fail to clarify the meaning of the patient's comment.
During an interview, a patient attempts to shift the focus from self to the nurse by asking personal questions. The nurse should respond by saying: a. "You've turned the tables on me." b. "Nurses direct the interviews with patients." c. "Do not ask questions about my personal life." d. "The time we spend together is to discuss your concerns."
ANS: D When a patient tries to focus on the nurse, the nurse should refocus the discussion back onto the patient. Telling the patient that interview time should be used to discuss patient concerns refocuses discussion in a neutral way. Telling patients not to ask about the nurse's personal life shows indignation. Saying that nurses prefer to direct the interview reflects superiority. Saying "You've turned the tables on me" states the fact but does not refocus the interview.
