The nurse states to the patient "You say that you are sad, but you are smiling..." Which option describes the purpose of this therapeutic communication technique?
To provide support for the patient
To redirect the patient to an important idea
To provide a suggestion for coping strategies
To bring inconsistencies into awareness
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
To provide support for the patient is not appropriate. While providing support is important in therapeutic communication, the nurse's statement is more focused on bringing attention to an inconsistency rather than offering direct emotional support.
Choice B Reason:
To redirect the patient to an important idea is not appropriate. The nurse's statement is not aimed at redirecting the patient to a specific idea. Instead, it's about highlighting a potential incongruence between the patient's verbal and nonverbal expressions.
Choice C Reason:
To provide a suggestion for coping strategies is not appropriate. The nurse's statement is not directly offering suggestions for coping strategies. It is more focused on helping the patient recognize and explore the discrepancy in their expressed emotions.
Choice D Reasons:
To bring inconsistencies into awareness is appropriate. This therapeutic communication technique is aimed at helping the patient recognize and explore any inconsistencies between their verbal and nonverbal expressions. By pointing out the discrepancy between the patient's statement of feeling sad and the observed behavior of smiling, the nurse encourages the patient to reflect on and explore their emotions more deeply. This can contribute to increased self-awareness and a better understanding of the patient's emotional state.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
“I live too far from art and history museums to visit them as often as I would like. “This pertains more to self-actualization and leisure activities, which are higher-level needs.
Choice B Reason:
"Four robberies and three assaults occurred in my neighborhood in the past month. “This statement addresses safety concerns, which fall under the second level of Maslow's hierarchy. Ensuring safety is a fundamental need that takes priority before addressing social or esteem needs.
Choice C Reason:
"I feel so alone. I wish I had someone special in my life." This addresses the need for belonging and social connection, which is a higher-level need compared to safety.
Choice D Reason:
"I did not do a good job on the project my supervisor assigned." This relates to self-esteem and job performance, which are higher-level needs.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Limited the role of the nurse to medication administration and documentation is inappropriate. Peplau's theory goes beyond medication administration and documentation. It emphasizes the interpersonal aspect of nursing, focusing on the therapeutic relationship between the nurse and the patient.
Choice B Reason:
Included both an interpersonal theory and a definition of nursing roles is appropriate. Peplau's Interpersonal Theory of Nursing focuses on the nurse-patient relationship and includes both an interpersonal theory and a definition of nursing roles. Peplau emphasized the importance of the nurse's therapeutic use of self in the relationship with the patient.
Choice C Reason:
Depended on moral theory linked to gender is inappropriate. Peplau's theory is not specifically linked to moral theory or gender. It is more focused on the dynamics of interpersonal relationships in the healthcare context.
Choice D Reason:
Defined the role of the nurse in the mental health setting as an extension of the psychiatrist is inappropriate. While Peplau's theory is applicable to mental health settings, it doesn't define the role of the nurse as merely an extension of the psychiatrist. It highlights the nurse's unique role in building therapeutic relationships and assisting patients in their psychosocial needs.

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