ISPN & CGFNS Therapeutic Communication in Psychiatric Nursing

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Establish a trusting relationship that promotes patient healing

Answer

Gather data for the medical record

Answer

Advise patients on how to solve their problems

Answer

Minimize patient anxiety during procedures

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Exploring

Answer

Giving information

Answer

Restating

Answer

Summarizing

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Are you thinking about harming yourself?

Answer

I'm sure you'll feel better soon.

Answer

Everyone feels that way sometimes.

Answer

Let's focus on the positive things in your life.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Giving false reassurance

Answer

Using therapeutic silence

Answer

Reflecting the patient's feelings

Answer

Seeking clarification

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Directing the conversation to a specific theme or concern

Answer

Asking multiple questions to explore all aspects of a problem simultaneously

Answer

Repeating the main points the patient has made

Answer

Pausing to allow the patient to think in silence

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Therapeutic nonverbal communication

Answer

Verbal therapeutic techniques

Answer

Non-therapeutic social mannerisms

Answer

Boundary violations in psychiatric nursing

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Repeats the patient's exact words to prompt further elaboration

Answer

Summarizes the main themes of the entire conversation

Answer

Paraphrases the patient's message in different words

Answer

Reflects the emotional content of what the patient expressed