A nurse is communicating with a client who was just admited for treatment of a substance use disorder. Which of the following communication techniques should the nurse identify as a barrier to therapeutic communication?
Select one:
Reflecting
Listening atentively
Offering advice
Giving information
The Correct Answer is C
Therapeutic communication involves actively listening to the client, demonstrating empathy, and using open-ended questions to encourage the client to express their thoughts and feelings.
Reflecting (option a) and listening attentively (option b) are both examples of effective therapeutic communication techniques as they demonstrate active listening and empathy.
However, offering advice (option c) is a barrier to therapeutic communication because it implies that the nurse knows what is best for the client and can solve their problems for them.
This can create a power dynamic in the nurse-client relationship and may discourage the client from expressing their true thoughts and feelings. Giving information (option d) can be an important aspect of therapeutic communication, but it should be done in a way that respects the client's autonomy and involves collaboration rather than giving directives.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","E"]
Explanation
a. “I can see that you feel sad about this situation”.
e. “The loss of your parent should be very painful for you.”
These responses by the nurse show empathy and validate the patient’s feelings. They also encourage the patient to continue expressing their emotions and facilitate communication.
Option b. “Don’t be sad, everyone has to pass for something like this in the life” is not a helpful response
because it minimizes the patient’s feelings and may make them feel like their emotions are not valid.
Option c. “I felt very sad when my mother died, it was horrible!” is not a helpful response because it shifts the focus of the conversation away from the patient and onto the nurse’s personal experience.
Option d. “Let’s talk about something else. this subject is upsetting you, don’t worry about this” is not a helpful response because it dismisses the patient’s emotions and may make them feel like they are not allowed to express their feelings.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This statement shows that the client is not accepting the reality of their prognosis and is dismissing the doctor's professional opinion. Denial is a common stage in the grief process where individuals may refuse to believe or accept a difficult reality, often as a coping mechanism to avoid the pain and sadness of the situation. Options a, b, d, and e do not indicate denial and instead may suggest fatigue, acceptance, physical weakness, and anger or frustration, respectively.

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