Category Archives: Therapeutic Communication in Nursing NCLEX Practice

Therapeutic Comm Q 1

A patient with a diagnosis of major depression who has attempted suicide says to the nurse, “I should have died! I’ve always been a failure. Nothing ever goes right for me.” Which response demonstrates therapeutic communication?         A. “You have everything to live for.”      B. “Why do you see yourself as a failure?”   … Read More »

Therapeutic Comm Q 2

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           Correct Answer: D. To give the client critical information.… Read More »

Therapeutic Comm Q 3

The nurse employed in a mental health clinic is greeted by a neighbor in a local grocery store. The neighbors ask the nurse, “How is Mary doing? She is my best friend and is seen at your clinic every week.” Which is the most appropriate nursing response?         A. “I can not discuss any patient situation with… Read More »

Therapeutic Comm Q 4

Which nursing statement is a good example of the therapeutic communication technique of giving recognition?         A. “You did not attend group today. Can we talk about that?”      B. “I’ll sit with you until it is time for your family session.”      C. “I notice you are wearing a new dress and you have… Read More »

Therapeutic Comm Q 5

The nurse calls security and has physical restraints applied when a client who is admitted voluntarily becomes both physically and verbally abusive while demanding to be discharged from the hospital. Which represents the possible legal ramifications for the nurse associated with these interventions? Select all that apply.         A. Libel      B. Battery      C. Assault… Read More »

Therapeutic Comm Q 6

A client is struggling to explore and solve a problem. Which nursing statement would verbalize the implication of the client’s actions?         A. “You seem to be motivated to change your behavior.”      B. “How will these changes affect your family relationships?”      C. “Why don’t you make a list of the behaviors you need… Read More »

Therapeutic Comm Q 7

The nurse in the mental health unit recognizes which of the following as therapeutic communication techniques? Select all that apply.         A. Restating      B. Listening      C. Asking the patient “Why?”      D. Maintaining neutral responses      E. Providing acknowledgment and feedback      F. Giving advice and approval or disapproval Correct Answer: A, B, D,… Read More »

Therapeutic Comm Q 8

The nurse asks a newly admitted client, “What can we do to help you?” What is the purpose of this therapeutic communication technique?         A. To reframe the client’s thoughts about mental health treatment      B. To put the client at ease      C. To explore a subject, idea, experience, or relationship      D. To… Read More »

Therapeutic Comm Q 9

A patient being seen in the emergency department immediately after being sexually assaulted appears calm and controlled. The nurse analyzes this behavior as indicating which defense mechanism?         A. Denial      B. Projection      C. Rationalization      D. Intellectualization           Correct Answer: A. Denial Denial is the refusal to admit to a… Read More »

Therapeutic Comm Q 10

A student nurse tells the instructor, “I’m concerned that when a client asks me for advice I won’t have a good solution.” Which should be the nursing instructor’s best response?         A. “It’s scary to feel put on the spot by a client. Nurses don’t always have the answer.”      B. “Remember, clients, not nurses, are responsible… Read More »