Chapter 9 Flashcards
Which statement made by the nurse demonstrates the best understanding of nonverbal communication?
a. “The patient’s verbal and nonverbal communication is often different.”
b. “When my patient responds to my question, I check for congruence between verbal and nonverbal communication to help validate the response.”
c. “If a patient is slumped in the chair, I can be sure he’s angry or depressed.”
d. “It’s easier to understand verbal communication that nonverbal communication.”
b. “When my patient responds to my question, I check for congruence between verbal and nonverbal communication to help validate the response.”
Which nursing statement is an example of reflection?
a. “I think this feeling will pass.”
b. “So you are saying that life has no meaning.”
c. “I’m not sure I understand what you mean.”
d. “You look sad.”
d. “You look sad.”
When should a nurse be most alert to the possibility of communication errors resulting in harm to the patient?
a. Change of shift report
b. Admission interviews
c. One-to-one conversations with patients
d. Conversations with patient families
a. Change of shift report
During an admission assessment and interview, which channels of information communication should the nurse be monitoring? Select all that apply.
a. Auditory
b. Visual
c. Written
d. Tactile
e. Olfactory
a. Auditory
b. Visual
d. Tactile
e. Olfactory
What principle about nurse-patient communication should guide a nurse’s fear about “saying the wrong thing” to a patient?
a. Patients tend to appreciate a well-meaning person who conveys genuine acceptance, respect, and concern for their situation.
b. The patient is more interested in talking to you than listening to what you have to say and so is not likely to be offended.
c. Considering the patient’s history, there is little chance that the comment will do any actual harm.
d. Most people with a mentally illness have by necessity developed a high tolerance of forgiveness.
a. Patients tend to appreciate a well-meaning person who conveys genuine acceptance, respect, and concern for their situation.
You have been working closely with a patient for the past month. Today he tells you he is looking forward to meeting with his new psychiatrist but frowns and avoids eye contact while reporting this to you. Which of the following responses would most likely be therapeutic?
a. “A new psychiatrist is a chance to start fresh; I’m sure it will go well for you.”
b. “You say you look forward to the meeting, but you appear anxious or unhappy.”
c. “I notice that you frowned and avoided eye contact just now. Don’t you feel well?”
d. “I get the impression you don’t really want to see your psychiatrist—can you tell me why?
b. “You say you look forward to the meeting, but you appear anxious or unhappy.”
Which student behavior is consistent with therapeutic communication?
a. Offering your opinion when asked to convey support.
b. Summarizing the essence of the patient’s comments in your own words.
c. Interrupting periods of silence before they become awkward for the patient.
d. Telling the patient he did well when you approve of his statements or actions.
b. Summarizing the essence of the patient’s comments in your own words.
James is a 42-year-old patient with schizophrenia. He approaches you as you arrive for day shift and anxiously reports, “Last night, demons came to my room and tried to rape me.” Which response would be most therapeutic?
a. “There are no such things as demons. What you saw were hallucinations.”
b. “It is not possible for anyone to enter your room at night. You are safe here.”
c. “You seem very upset. Please tell me more about what you experienced last night.”
d. “That must have been very frightening, but we’ll check on you at night and you’ll be safe.”
c. “You seem very upset. Please tell me more about what you experienced last night.”
Therapeutic communication is the foundation of a patient- centered interview. Which of the following techniques is not considered therapeutic?
a. Restating
b. Encouraging description of perception
c. Summarizing
d. Asking “why” questions
d. Asking “why” questions
Carolina is surprised when her patient does not show for a regularly scheduled appointment. When contacted, the patient states, “I don’t need to come see you anymore. I have found a therapy app on my phone that I love.” How should Carolina respond to this news?
a. “That sounds exciting, would you be willing to visit and show me the app?”
b. “At this time, there is no real evidence that the app can replace our therapy.”
c. “I am not sure that is a good idea right now, we are so close to progress.”
d. “Why would you think that is a better option than meeting with me?”
a. “That sounds exciting, would you be willing to visit and show me the app?”
