Nokea
Which of the following statements about verbal and nonverbal communication skills is accurate?
- A. One third of meaning is transmitted nonverbally and two thirds is communicated verbally.
- B. Nonverbal communication is as important, if not more than, verbal communication.
- C. Verbal communication is most important because it is what the patient says.
- D. Verbal communication involves the unconscious mind.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nonverbal communication, conveying two-thirds of meaning, is as critical as or more so than verbal communication, which is not solely driven by the unconscious mind.
You may also like to solve these questions
The client stated, 'I was so upset about my sister ignoring me when I was talking about being ashamed.' Which nontherapeutic communication technique would the nurse be using if the nurse would state, 'How are your stress reduction classes going?'
- A. Changing the subject
- B. Offering advice
- C. Challenging
- D. Disapproving
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Changing the subject to an unrelated topic dismisses the client's emotional concern, hindering therapeutic communication.
The nurse is sitting with a patient who is crying. After a few minutes the nurse places one hand on the patient's shoulder. Which of the following best describes the purpose of the nurse's touch with this patient?
- A. To express sympathy to the patient
- B. To assess the patient's skin temperature and circulation status
- C. To offer comfort and support for the patient
- D. To extend an offer of friendship to the patient
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Touch, when appropriate, offers comfort and support, not sympathy, physical assessment, or friendship, enhancing the therapeutic relationship.
Which of the following are nontherapeutic techniques?
- A. Silence
- B. Voicing doubt
- C. Agreeing
- D. Challenging
- E. Giving approval
- F. Accepting
Correct Answer: C,D,E
Rationale: Agreeing, challenging, and giving approval are nontherapeutic as they can imply judgment or reinforce misconceptions, unlike silence, voicing doubt, or accepting, which support therapeutic dialogue.
Which statements are true of concrete and abstract messages?
- A. Abstract messages include figures of speech that are difficult to interpret.
- B. Abstract messages are important for accurate information exchange.
- C. Concrete messages require the listener to interpret what the speaker says.
- D. Concrete messages are clear, direct, and easy to understand.
- E. Abstract messages are best used for persons who are anxious.
Correct Answer: A,D
Rationale: Abstract messages use figures of speech that are hard to interpret, while concrete messages are clear and direct, ideal for accurate communication, especially with anxious clients.
A patient states, 'I feel fine. It's a good day.' The nurse notes the patient looking away, and a decreasing pitch in his voice while speaking. Which of the following is the most therapeutic response by the nurse?
- A. I'm glad you are feeling good today.
- B. I'm not sure I believe you.
- C. Tell me what is good about today.
- D. You say you feel fine, but you don't really sound fine.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Verbalizing the implied by noting the incongruence between the client's words and nonverbal cues encourages clarification and deeper discussion, making it the most therapeutic response.