What principle about patient communication should guide a nurse's fear of '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. Patients are more interested in talking to you than listening to what you have to say, so they are 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 mental illness have, by necessity, developed a high tolerance for forgiveness.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Effective patient communication is guided by the principle that patients value genuine acceptance, respect, and concern from their caregivers. This approach helps to build trust and fosters effective communication, enhancing the nurse-patient relationship. Choice B is incorrect because patients value both talking and listening in effective communication. Choice C is incorrect because a nurse should always consider the impact of their words on the patient, regardless of the patient's history. Choice D is incorrect as it generalizes about people with mental illness and forgiveness, which is not directly relevant to patient communication.
You may also like to solve these questions
A healthcare provider decides to put a client who has a psychotic disorder in seclusion overnight because the unit is very short-staffed, and the client frequently fights with other clients. The healthcare provider's actions are an example of which of the following torts?
- A. Invasion of privacy
- B. False imprisonment
- C. Assault
- D. Battery
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: False imprisonment. False imprisonment occurs when an individual is intentionally restricted in their freedom of movement without consent and without lawful justification. In this scenario, placing the client in seclusion overnight due to staffing shortages and behavioral issues constitutes false imprisonment as the client is confined against their will. Choice A, invasion of privacy, does not apply as the situation is about physical confinement, not privacy violation. Assault (choice C) involves the threat of harm, which is not the case here. Battery (choice D) refers to the intentional harmful or offensive touching of another person, which is not happening in this scenario.
When the caregiver of a child asks the nurse for reassurance about their child's condition, which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. "I think your child is getting better. What have you noticed?"
- B. "I'm sure everything will be okay. It just takes time to heal."
- C. "I'm not sure what's wrong. Have you asked the doctor about your concerns?"
- D. "I understand you're concerned. Let's discuss what concerns you specifically."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When providing reassurance to a caregiver about their child's condition, it's essential to acknowledge their concern and address it specifically. Response D demonstrates empathy and a willingness to discuss the caregiver's specific concerns, which can help in providing accurate information and support to them. Choices A and B provide general reassurance without addressing the caregiver's specific concerns, which may not alleviate their worries effectively. Choice C deflects the question back to the caregiver and suggests consulting the doctor without directly engaging with the caregiver's worries, which may not offer the needed support and reassurance.
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?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Carolina should respond with openness and curiosity to maintain a positive therapeutic relationship. By showing interest in the patient's new therapy method and inviting them to share the app, Carolina demonstrates a willingness to explore alternative approaches while also ensuring the patient feels heard and valued in their decision-making process. Choice B is incorrect because it dismisses the patient's choice without exploring it further. Choice C focuses more on Carolina's concerns rather than engaging with the patient's decision. Choice D comes off as defensive and may make the patient feel misunderstood or judged.
During the working phase of a therapeutic relationship, a client with methamphetamine use disorder displays transference behavior. Which action by the client indicates transference behavior?
- A. The client asks the nurse if they will go out to dinner together
- B. The client accuses the nurse of being controlling just like an ex-partner
- C. The client reminds the nurse of a friend who died from substance toxicity
- D. The client becomes angry and threatens to engage in self-harm
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Transference occurs when a client projects feelings, often unconscious, onto the nurse that are associated with significant figures in their past or present life. In this scenario, the client accusing the nurse of being controlling like an ex-partner demonstrates transference behavior by attributing characteristics of someone from their past onto the nurse. Choices A, C, and D do not reflect transference behavior. Choice A involves a social invitation, which is not necessarily transference. Choice C is more related to countertransference as it triggers memories in the nurse, not the client. Choice D describes aggressive behavior and self-harm threats, which are not indicative of transference.
When communicating with a client admitted for treatment of a substance use disorder, which of the following communication techniques should be identified as a barrier to therapeutic communication?
- A. Offering advice
- B. Reflecting
- C. Listening attentively
- D. Giving information
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Offering advice is a barrier to therapeutic communication because it can hinder the client's ability to explore their own solutions and feelings. It may come across as judgmental or dismissive of the client's experience, leading to a breakdown in trust and hindering the therapeutic relationship. Reflecting (choice B) is a helpful technique that involves paraphrasing or restating the client's words to show understanding. Listening attentively (choice C) is crucial for building rapport and demonstrating empathy. Giving information (choice D) is also important but should be done in a way that supports the client's understanding and autonomy, rather than directing their choices.