The nurse uses a variety of therapeutic communication skills when working with patients. Which of the following is a therapeutic goal that can be accomplished through the use of therapeutic communication?

Help the patient control emotional outbursts

Provide the patient with a plan of action

Assess the patient’s perception of a problem

Inform the patient of priority problems

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: While therapeutic communication can help patients manage emotions, controlling outbursts is a secondary outcome, not a primary goal. It involves techniques like de-escalation, but the focus is on understanding the patient’s emotional state through active listening, not directly controlling behavior, making this choice less accurate.

Choice B reason: Providing a plan of action is a nursing intervention, not a primary goal of therapeutic communication. Communication aims to explore patient perspectives and build trust, not to deliver directives. Plans are developed after understanding the patient’s needs, making this choice incorrect.

Choice C reason: Assessing the patient’s perception of a problem is a key goal of therapeutic communication. Techniques like active listening and open-ended questions help nurses understand the patient’s subjective experience, identifying psychological issues and tailoring interventions, making this the correct choice for the goal described.

Choice D reason: Informing the patient of priority problems is an educational or directive action, not a primary goal of therapeutic communication. Communication focuses on exploring patient perspectives, not imposing nurse-identified priorities, which could disrupt trust and engagement, making this choice incorrect.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Tangential thinking involves shifting topics without returning to the original point, common in schizophrenia or mania. It reflects disorganized thought processes due to impaired prefrontal cortex function, leading to irrelevant responses, making this the correct choice for the described speech pattern.

Choice B reason: Circumstantial thinking involves excessive detail but eventually returns to the original point. The scenario describes never returning to the question, indicating a more disorganized process than circumstantiality, making this choice incorrect for the patient’s speech pattern.

Choice C reason: Flight of ideas involves rapid topic shifts driven by associations, often in mania. While similar, it is less aimless than tangentiality, which does not return to the original topic, making this choice less precise for the described behavior.

Choice D reason: Concrete thinking involves literal interpretations without abstract reasoning, common in cognitive impairments. The scenario describes topic-shifting, not literal thinking, making this choice incorrect, as it does not address the disorganized speech pattern observed.

A. The patient consents to hospitalization and treatment voluntarily B. The patient is admitted only after signing legal paperwork agreeing to treatment C. The patient is immediately discharged upon request D. The patient is admitted for psychiatric care without their consent due to risk of harm to self or others

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Voluntary commitment involves patient consent to hospitalization and treatment, often for less acute cases. The scenario describes refusal of admission, necessitating involuntary measures due to suicidal risk, making this choice incorrect as it contradicts the described process.

Choice B reason: Involuntary commitment does not require the patient’s signature or agreement, as it is initiated when they pose a risk to themselves or others. Legal paperwork is completed by professionals, not the patient, making this choice incorrect for the scenario.

Choice C reason: Immediate discharge upon request applies to voluntary admissions, not involuntary ones. Involuntary commitment restricts discharge due to assessed risks, such as suicidal ideation, requiring legal and clinical oversight, making this choice incorrect.

Choice D reason: Involuntary commitment involves admitting a patient without consent when they pose a risk of harm, as with suicidal thoughts. This legal process, governed by mental health laws, prioritizes safety through court or medical authorization, making this the correct choice.

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The nurse uses a variety of therapeutic communication skills when working with patients. Which of the following is a therapeutic goal that can be accomplished through the use of therapeutic communication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

During a psychiatric assessment, a patient frequently shifts from one topic to another and never returns to the original question asked by the nurse. This pattern of speech is best described as:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A patient is brought to the psychiatric unit by family members after expressing suicidal thoughts but refuses voluntary admission. The healthcare team proceeds with involuntary commitment. Which of the following statements best describes involuntary commitment?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A patient recently lost her spouse and says, “I don’t know how I’m going to live without him.” Which of the following responses by the nurse is nontherapeutic?

A nurse observes a patient with bipolar disorder who suddenly shifts from laughing joyfully to crying within minutes during the therapy session. This sudden and intense change in emotional expression is an example of:

A patient becomes agitated and physically aggressive on the unit, requiring the use of restraints. Which of the following actions by the nurse is appropriate when applying and managing restraints?

A nurse is reviewing the medication orders for four patients. Which patient should the nurse anticipate receiving a lower dose of medication?

A patient recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes tells the nurse, “This is all my fault. If I had taken better care of myself, I wouldn’t be in this situation.” Which response by the nurse is the most therapeutic?

What is psychomotor retardation as seen in psychiatric patients?

The nurse is caring for a patient recently diagnosed with a terminal illness. The patient says, “There’s no way this is right. I’m going to get another opinion—this doctor doesn’t know what they’re talking about.” The nurse recognizes that the patient is in which stage of grief?

A patient missed a treatment option. Later, the patient appears withdrawn and avoids eye contact when discussing calling loved ones. Which is the best nursing action?