The registered nurse in the mental health unit recognizes which as being good therapeutic communication techniques? Select all that apply.
Giving opinion.
Asking why.
Silence.
Change the subject.
Reflecting.
Clarification.
Correct Answer : C,E,F
Choice A: Giving opinion: While sharing your opinions might seem helpful, it can actually shut down communication and make the patient feel judged or invalidated. Therapeutic communication focuses on understanding the patient's perspective, not imposing your own views.
Choice B: Asking why: Asking "why" can often come across as accusatory or judgmental, putting the patient on the defensive and hindering open communication. Instead, use open-ended s or clarifying statements to encourage the patient to elaborate on their feelings and experiences.
Choice C: Silence: In some situations, silence can be a powerful tool. It can provide a safe space for the patient to process their emotions, gather their thoughts, or initiate conversation themselves. However, be sure to use silence actively, paying close attention to nonverbal cues and ensuring the patient feels comfortable with the pause.
Choice D: Change the subject: While there may be times when it's appropriate to redirect the conversation, abruptly changing the subject can leave the patient feeling unheard and dismissed. It's important to acknowledge the patient's concerns and validate their feelings before moving on to another topic.
Choice E: Reflecting: Reflecting involves rephrasing the patient's words or statements in a way that acknowledges and emphasizes their emotions and experiences. This helps the patient feel heard and understood, promoting trust and openness in the communication. For example, if a patient says "I feel so alone," you could reflect by saying "It sounds like you're feeling isolated and disconnected."
Choice F: Clarification: Clarifying statements are a helpful way to ensure you understand the patient correctly. This can involve repeating parts of what they said, summarizing their message, or asking for specific details. For example, if a patient says "I just can't take it anymore," you could clarify by saying "You mentioned you're feeling overwhelmed. Can you tell me more about what's been difficult for you?"
By utilizing techniques like silence, reflecting, and clarification, nurses can create a safe and supportive environment for their patients in the mental health unit, fostering therapeutic communication that promotes healing and recovery.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Instructing the client on relaxation techniques for use when anxiety level increases is a beneficial intervention for a client with OCD. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse needs to understand the client’s condition, including the triggers for their ritualistic behaviors, before they can effectively guide the client in managing their anxiety.
Choice B rationale: Discussing many alternative coping strategies with the client is an important part of OCD management. However, this should come after understanding the client’s condition and the triggers for their ritualistic behaviors. Without this understanding, the coping strategies suggested may not be effective or relevant.
Choice C rationale: Identifying precipitating factors for ritualistic behaviors is the first action the nurse should take. Understanding what triggers the client’s OCD behaviors is crucial in developing an effective care plan. This understanding allows the nurse to work with the client to develop strategies to manage their triggers and reduce the frequency and intensity of their OCD behaviors.
Choice D rationale: Providing a highly structured activity schedule for the client can be helpful in managing OCD. However, this should not be the first action. The nurse needs to first understand the client’s condition, including the triggers for their ritualistic behaviors. This understanding will allow the nurse to develop a schedule that takes into account the client’s triggers and incorporates effective coping strategies.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: While a heart rate of 52/min is lower than the normal range (60-100/min), it’s not uncommon in individuals with anorexia nervosa due to the body’s adaptation to conserve energy.
However, it’s not the most critical vital sign to address first in this scenario.
Choice B rationale: A respiratory rate of 26/min is slightly elevated (normal range is 12-20/min), possibly due to anxiety or distress.
However, it’s not the most immediate concern compared to other vital signs.
Choice C rationale: The client’s blood pressure is 84/50 mm Hg, which is significantly lower than the normal range (90/60 to 120/80 mm Hg). This could indicate hypotension, which can lead to dizziness, fainting, and inadequate blood flow to organs.
Hypotension is a common complication of anorexia nervosa due to decreased blood volume and weakened heart muscle.
Therefore, it should be addressed first.
Choice D rationale: The client’s temperature is 36.1°C (97°F), which is slightly lower than the normal body temperature range (36.5–37.5°C or 97.7–99.5°F). Hypothermia is a common complication in individuals with anorexia nervosa due to loss of body fat, which provides insulation.
However, it’s not the most immediate concern in this scenario.
In conclusion, the nurse should first address the client’s blood pressure due to the potential risks associated with hypotension.
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