ISPN & CGFNS Therapeutic Communication in Psychiatric Nursing 3

Question 1

A patient with paranoid delusions states 'The government is monitoring all my phone calls.' The MOST therapeutic nurse response is:

Accepted Answer

That must feel frightening. What has been happening for you recently?

Answer

Acknowledging the patient's emotional experience without reinforcing or arguing against the delusion preserves the therapeutic relationship and gathers useful clinical information.

Question 2

'Voicing doubt' as a therapeutic technique involves:

Accepted Answer

Expressing uncertainty about the patient's interpretation without direct confrontation

Answer

Voicing doubt gently expresses the nurse's uncertainty about the patient's perception of reality without direct argument, preserving rapport while introducing gentle reality testing.

Question 3

Which phase of the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship involves establishing goals, defining roles, and setting expectations for the relationship?

Accepted Answer

Orientation phase

Answer

The orientation (introductory) phase is when the nurse and patient establish the parameters of their relationship, including mutual goals, roles, and confidentiality boundaries.

Question 4

A psychiatric patient becomes agitated and says 'You never listen to me!' The MOST therapeutic response is:

Accepted Answer

I can see you're feeling frustrated — I want to hear what you're experiencing.

Answer

Acknowledging the patient's frustration and expressing genuine interest in their experience de-escalates tension and maintains the therapeutic relationship without defensiveness.

Question 5

Cultural competence in therapeutic communication requires the psychiatric nurse to recognize that:

Accepted Answer

Nonverbal communication norms vary significantly across cultures

Answer

Nonverbal communication norms — such as appropriate eye contact, personal space, and physical touch — vary across cultures and must be adapted for culturally competent care.

ISPN & CGFNS Practice Test

ISPN & CGFNS Practice Test

ISPN & CGFNS Therapeutic Communication in Psychiatric Nursing 3