Therapeutic Communication in Psychiatric Nursing Flashcards

The primary goal of therapeutic communication in psychiatric nursing is to:

Answer: Establish a trusting relationship that promotes patient healing

Therapeutic communication focuses on building a trusting nurse-patient relationship that supports mental health recovery and patient wellbeing.

When a nurse says 'You mentioned feeling overwhelmed — tell me more about that,' which technique is being used?

Answer: Exploring

Exploring encourages the patient to elaborate on a topic by inviting them to delve deeper into their thoughts, feelings, or experiences.

A patient states 'I don't know if I can go on.' The MOST therapeutic nurse response is:

Answer: Are you thinking about harming yourself?

When a patient's statement may indicate suicidal ideation, the nurse must directly assess safety by asking about thoughts of self-harm.

Which of the following is a NON-THERAPEUTIC communication technique?

Answer: Giving false reassurance

Giving false reassurance dismisses the patient's real concerns and closes off genuine communication by minimizing problems with empty comfort.

The technique of 'focusing' in therapeutic communication is BEST described as:

Answer: Directing the conversation to a specific theme or concern

Focusing helps the patient concentrate on a specific topic that is particularly relevant to their care, preventing the conversation from becoming too diffuse.

A nurse maintains appropriate eye contact, leans slightly toward the patient, and nods during the conversation. These behaviors are examples of:

Answer: Therapeutic nonverbal communication

Therapeutic nonverbal communication — including appropriate eye contact, open body posture, and nodding — conveys attentiveness, respect, and genuine interest.

When the nurse uses the technique of 'restating,' the nurse:

Answer: Repeats the patient's exact words to prompt further elaboration

Restating involves repeating the patient's own key words back to them to acknowledge what was said and encourage the patient to continue elaborating.