How can a nurse use therapeutic communication to build rapport with a client during an initial mental health assessment?
Share personal similar experiences to relate to the client.
Ask direct and challenging questions to elicit responses.
Listen actively and show empathy towards the client's experiences.
Use closed-ended questions to control the conversation.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Sharing personal experiences shifts focus away from the client and may blur professional boundaries. While intended to build rapport, it risks making the interaction about the nurse rather than the patient’s needs.
Choice B reason: Asking direct and challenging questions can feel confrontational and may cause the client to withdraw. Therapeutic communication emphasizes safety and trust, not interrogation.
Choice C reason: Active listening and empathy are the foundation of therapeutic communication. By validating the client’s feelings and showing genuine understanding, the nurse fosters trust and rapport. This approach encourages openness and supports accurate assessment.
Choice D reason: Using closed-ended questions limits the client’s ability to express themselves and restricts the depth of information gathered. It can make the conversation feel controlled rather than collaborative, undermining rapport.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: One tablet equals 300 mg, which is insufficient to meet the prescribed 450 mg dose. Administering only one tablet would underdose the patient, reducing therapeutic effectiveness.
Choice B reason: Three tablets equal 900 mg, which is double the prescribed dose. This would cause toxicity and serious adverse effects, making it unsafe.
Choice C reason: Two tablets equal 600 mg, which exceeds the prescribed dose by 150 mg. This would risk lithium toxicity, including tremors, confusion, and renal impairment.
Choice D reason: 1.5 tablets equal exactly 450 mg, which matches the prescribed dose. This ensures therapeutic effectiveness while maintaining safety.
Step 1: Available tablet strength = 300 mg.
Step 2: Ordered dose = 450 mg.
Step 3: (450 mg ÷ 300 mg) = 1.5 tablets.
Result = 1.5 tablets.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Increasing medication without prescriber consultation is unsafe and violates scope of practice. It risks adverse effects and undermines collaborative care.
Choice B reason: Ignoring feelings invalidates the client’s experience and worsens anxiety. Therapeutic communication requires acknowledgment and support, not avoidance.
Choice C reason: Encouraging daily physical exercise tailored to interests is effective because it reduces anxiety through endorphin release, improves sleep, and enhances self-efficacy. Tailoring to interests increases adherence and enjoyment.
Choice D reason: Focusing solely on deep breathing is too narrow. While beneficial, anxiety management requires a multimodal approach including lifestyle, coping strategies, and psychosocial support.
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