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?

Choice A reason: Asking if voices come from external sources like TV assumes a delusional origin and closes off exploration. Open-ended questions are needed to assess the nature and impact of auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia, making this choice nontherapeutic.

Choice B reason: Asking the patient to describe the voices’ content is an open-ended response that encourages detailed disclosure. This helps assess the hallucinations’ nature, frequency, and impact on behavior, aiding in risk assessment and treatment planning, making this the correct choice.

Choice C reason: Asking about harm is a closed-ended question that assumes a specific risk, potentially limiting exploration of the hallucination’s full context. While safety is critical, open-ended questions better assess the patient’s experience initially, making this choice less appropriate.

Choice D reason: Asking about the timing of voices is closed-ended and limits the depth of assessment. Understanding the content and impact of hallucinations is more critical for schizophrenia management, as timing alone does not reveal risk or severity, making this choice incorrect.

Choice A reason: A crowded room creates distractions and compromises patient confidentiality, hindering open communication during a psychosocial assessment. Effective assessments require a private, calm environment to foster trust and focus, as external stimuli can exacerbate anxiety or disrupt emotional disclosure, making this choice incorrect.

Choice B reason: Avoiding eye contact can signal disengagement or discomfort, undermining the therapeutic alliance needed for a psychosocial assessment. Appropriate eye contact fosters trust and encourages patients to share sensitive information, as it reflects attentiveness and empathy, making this choice incorrect for an effective assessment environment.

Choice C reason: A television on for background noise introduces auditory distractions, reducing the patient’s ability to focus and share openly during a psychosocial assessment. A quiet environment is essential to ensure clear communication and minimize sensory overload, which can affect emotional regulation, making this choice incorrect.

Choice D reason: Adequate lighting creates a comfortable, non-threatening environment for a psychosocial assessment, allowing the nurse to observe nonverbal cues like facial expressions, which are critical for assessing emotional states. Proper lighting supports patient comfort and accurate observation, making this a correct choice for the assessment setting.

Choice E reason: A quiet and private area ensures confidentiality and minimizes distractions, fostering a safe space for patients to discuss sensitive psychosocial issues. This environment supports emotional disclosure and reduces anxiety, enabling accurate assessment of mental health status, making this a correct choice for effective assessments.