Which of the following should be avoided when communicating with a mentally ill patient?
Taking the time to convey respect for the patient
Having an expectation that the patient will get better
Demonstrating through your expression and posture that you are listening
Believing that the patient will not improve
The Correct Answer is D
A. Taking the time to convey respect for the patient
Respect promotes trust and therapeutic alliance.
B. Having an expectation that the patient will get better
Positive expectations support hope and motivation for recovery. They are helpful, not harmful.
C. Demonstrating through your expression and posture that you are listening
Non-verbal communication reinforces that the nurse is engaged and empathetic—a cornerstone of therapeutic communication.
D. Believing that the patient will not improve
This attitude is harmful and defeatist. It may lead to substandard care and a lack of motivation to help the patient engage in treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Adaptive coping phase:
This would imply the person has already developed strategies that are working, which is premature if they’re just encountering the situation.
B. Beginning phase:
Not a formally recognized stage in crisis theory. Vague and non-specific.
C. Maintaining phase:
Implies stability or recovery, which happens after coping has begun, not when first encountering stress.
D. Coping phase:
In crisis theory, this is the phase where the individual tries to use available coping mechanisms in response to the stressful or difficult situation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Bring her and her children to a room immediately
This is a safety-first response. The woman is frightened and possibly in immediate danger. Moving her and the children to a private area provides physical and emotional safety and allows the nurse to continue assessment confidentially.
B. Ask her please not to scream-she is alarming the other patients
This is inappropriate and dismissive. Her distress signals potential abuse or trauma; silencing her prioritizes others’ comfort over her safety.
C. Ask, "Who will kill you?"
Although assessing threat is important, immediate safety must be ensured first before probing for more details.
D. Ask her to sit for a moment while you contact someone who can provide safety for her
Delaying action may increase the risk to her and her children. Immediate removal to a safe space is more appropriate.
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