ATI LPN
Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice
Chapter 9 : Communication and the Therapeutic Relationship Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse responds to a patient?s statement with silence based on the rationale that this technique is used primarily to do which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Silence in therapeutic communication allows the patient to gather thoughts, process emotions, or continue speaking, promoting deeper exploration. It?s not primarily for the nurse?s response planning, self-reflection, or passive listening, which is nontherapeutic.
Question 2 of 5
A group of nursing students are preparing a class presentation on therapeutic and nontherapeutic techniques of communication. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they select which techniques to demonstrate as therapeutic? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B,C
Rationale: Open-ended statements and reflection are therapeutic techniques, encouraging patient exploration and self-expression. Confrontation and challenges can be therapeutic in specific contexts but are often nontherapeutic if poorly timed. Reassurance and agreement risk dismissing patient concerns or aligning too closely, reducing therapeutic value.
Question 3 of 5
When communicating with a patient, which of the following would the nurse use to convey positive body language?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sitting at the patient?s eye level conveys openness, respect, and engagement, fostering positive communication. Crossing arms or legs can appear defensive, and sitting erect with back against the chair may seem rigid, less conducive to rapport.
Question 4 of 5
During an interview, a patient tells the nurse that he was recently let go from his job. As the interaction continues, the patient states, 'I was really overqualified for that position anyway. It was definitely below my area of expertise.' The nurse interprets this information as reflecting which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Intellectualization involves using rational explanations to avoid emotional distress. The patient?s statement minimizes the job loss by focusing on being overqualified, distancing from the emotional impact. Denial avoids the reality, projection attributes feelings to others, and passive aggression expresses hostility indirectly.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is engaged in a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship. The relationship is in the working phase. With which of the following would the patient be involved? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B,D,E
Rationale: In the working phase of the nurse-patient relationship (per Peplau), the patient actively engages in problem-solving, discussing needs, and examining personal issues to achieve therapeutic goals. Identifying needs and testing the relationship occur in the orientation phase.