ATI Mental Health Practice B Related

Review ATI Mental Health Practice B related questions and content

Which patient behavior is consistent with therapeutic communication?

  • A. Offering your opinion when asked to provide support.
  • B. Summarizing the essence of the patient's comments in your own words.
  • C. Avoiding interrupting periods of silence to allow the patient space to think.
  • D. Providing positive reinforcement when the patient expresses themselves.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Summarizing the essence of the patient's comments in your own words is a key component of therapeutic communication. This behavior demonstrates active listening, ensures understanding of the patient's message, and encourages further discussion. By summarizing, you show the patient that you are engaged and interested, which helps them feel heard and valued. Offering your opinion (choice A) may bias the patient's thoughts and feelings, interrupting periods of silence (choice C) may prevent the patient from processing their thoughts, and providing positive reinforcement (choice D) may not always be appropriate or necessary in therapeutic communication.