RPN Therapeutic Nurse-Client Relationships 2

Question 1

A client becomes tearful and says, 'Nobody cares if I live or die.' Which response by the RPN best demonstrates therapeutic communication?

Accepted Answer

"That must be a very lonely feeling. Can you tell me more about what's been happening?"

Answer

Reflecting the feeling and inviting elaboration acknowledges the client's experience without dismissing or minimizing it.

Question 2

Which behavior by the RPN is MOST likely to undermine the therapeutic relationship?

Accepted Answer

Sharing personal opinions about the client's life choices

Answer

Offering unsolicited personal opinions shifts the focus to the nurse's values, breaching professional boundaries and client autonomy.

Question 3

A client refuses to speak during a scheduled session. The MOST appropriate RPN action is to:

Accepted Answer

Sit quietly with the client and indicate availability without pressure

Answer

Maintaining a non-pressured presence communicates acceptance and keeps the therapeutic space open for the client.

Question 4

The concept of 'unconditional positive regard' in the therapeutic relationship means the nurse:

Accepted Answer

Accepts the client as a person of worth regardless of behavior

Answer

Unconditional positive regard means valuing the client intrinsically without making acceptance contingent on behavior or compliance.

Question 5

Which phase of the nurse-client relationship involves mutually identifying problems and setting goals?

Accepted Answer

Working phase

Answer

The working phase is when the nurse and client collaborate on goal-directed problem solving and therapeutic work.

RPN - Registered Practical Nurse Practice Test