NRS 3016: COMMUNICATION PRACTICE QUESTIONS
WITH VERIFIED ACCURATE ANSWERS
While the nurse and client are in a therapy session, the nurse says to the client, "You
become very anxious when we start talking about your drinking." Which technique is the
nurse using?
a. Confronting behavior
b. Making an observation
c. Translating into feelings
d. Verbalizing the implied - Answers - b
The nurse is caring for a client with cellulitis. The client responds, "I feel kind of 'blah',"
after the nurse asks "How do you feel" After the client's reply, the nurse states, "Can
you tell me what 'blah' feels like?" The client responds "I don't have any energy, and I
don't feel like doing anything." Using therapeutic communication, how should the nurse
respond?
a. "Why don't you call a friend in to watch TV with you?"
b. "Lets talk about infections, and how they heal."
c. "Why don't you just rest in bed?
d. "Oh, it is just the infection; in a day or so you'll feel better." - Answers - b
The nurse is sitting down with a client to begin a conversation. Which position will the
nurse take to convey acceptance of the client?
a. Sitting upright facing the client with both feet on the floor
b. Leaning back in the chair next to the client with legs crossed at the knees
c. Leaning forward with arms on the table sitting directly across from the client
d. Turned slightly to the side of the client with arms folded across the chest - Answers -
a
During a therapeutic communication session, the nurse tells the client of a past
experience. Which statement best reflects the nurse's use self-disclosure?
a. Self-disclosure on the nurse's part should benefit the client.
b. Self-disclosure should be used with all clients to some degree.
c. The more the nurse discloses, the more the client will disclose.
d. It forms the solid foundation for effective communication. - Answers - a
A client remarks, "You know, it's the same thing every time." Which is the most
therapeutic response by the nurse?
a. "It's the same thing every time?"
, b. "I understand what you mean."
c. "I'm sure everyone is doing their best."
d. "I'm not sure what you mean. Please explain." - Answers - d
Which would not be considered a goal of therapeutic communication?
a. Active listening
b. Self-exploration of feelings by the nurse
c. Guiding the client in problem solving
d. Establishing rapport - Answers - b
A psychiatric-mental health nurse is completing a self-reflection with the goal of "know
thyself" in order to care for their clients better. What is a question that the nurse can
reflect on that encourages self-reflection?
a. How do you feel about working long shifts
b. How do you get along with your colleagues?
c. What careers did you do before becoming a nurse?
d. What significant traumatic life events have you experienced? - Answers - d
The graduate nurse is working in mental health and is learning about the use of touch
with clients that have psychiatric disorders. The seasoned mental health care nurse
differentiates information about this part of therapeutic communication by stating which
information?
a. "Touch carries different meanings for different individuals."
b. "Touch is used to express interest and warmth."
c. "Touch is used in situations in which the client is unstable."
d. "Touch is best mixed with compassion when dealing with the anxious client." -
Answers - a
Which statement by the nurse reflects the use of a therapeutic statement?
a. "You look upset. Would you like to talk about it?"
b. "I'd like to know more about your children. Tell me about them."
c. "I understand your husband passed away. I couldn't bear that."
d. "You look very sad. How long have you been this way? Have you been taking care of
yourself?" - Answers - a
A psychiatric-mental health nurse has been off of work for the past 4 days, as per the
normal work schedule on the unit. On the nurse's first day back, a longterm client says,
"I haven't seen you around here since Thursday. How was your time off?" What is the
nurse's most appropriate response?
a. "I've been off for the past four days. What have you done since I last saw you?"
WITH VERIFIED ACCURATE ANSWERS
While the nurse and client are in a therapy session, the nurse says to the client, "You
become very anxious when we start talking about your drinking." Which technique is the
nurse using?
a. Confronting behavior
b. Making an observation
c. Translating into feelings
d. Verbalizing the implied - Answers - b
The nurse is caring for a client with cellulitis. The client responds, "I feel kind of 'blah',"
after the nurse asks "How do you feel" After the client's reply, the nurse states, "Can
you tell me what 'blah' feels like?" The client responds "I don't have any energy, and I
don't feel like doing anything." Using therapeutic communication, how should the nurse
respond?
a. "Why don't you call a friend in to watch TV with you?"
b. "Lets talk about infections, and how they heal."
c. "Why don't you just rest in bed?
d. "Oh, it is just the infection; in a day or so you'll feel better." - Answers - b
The nurse is sitting down with a client to begin a conversation. Which position will the
nurse take to convey acceptance of the client?
a. Sitting upright facing the client with both feet on the floor
b. Leaning back in the chair next to the client with legs crossed at the knees
c. Leaning forward with arms on the table sitting directly across from the client
d. Turned slightly to the side of the client with arms folded across the chest - Answers -
a
During a therapeutic communication session, the nurse tells the client of a past
experience. Which statement best reflects the nurse's use self-disclosure?
a. Self-disclosure on the nurse's part should benefit the client.
b. Self-disclosure should be used with all clients to some degree.
c. The more the nurse discloses, the more the client will disclose.
d. It forms the solid foundation for effective communication. - Answers - a
A client remarks, "You know, it's the same thing every time." Which is the most
therapeutic response by the nurse?
a. "It's the same thing every time?"
, b. "I understand what you mean."
c. "I'm sure everyone is doing their best."
d. "I'm not sure what you mean. Please explain." - Answers - d
Which would not be considered a goal of therapeutic communication?
a. Active listening
b. Self-exploration of feelings by the nurse
c. Guiding the client in problem solving
d. Establishing rapport - Answers - b
A psychiatric-mental health nurse is completing a self-reflection with the goal of "know
thyself" in order to care for their clients better. What is a question that the nurse can
reflect on that encourages self-reflection?
a. How do you feel about working long shifts
b. How do you get along with your colleagues?
c. What careers did you do before becoming a nurse?
d. What significant traumatic life events have you experienced? - Answers - d
The graduate nurse is working in mental health and is learning about the use of touch
with clients that have psychiatric disorders. The seasoned mental health care nurse
differentiates information about this part of therapeutic communication by stating which
information?
a. "Touch carries different meanings for different individuals."
b. "Touch is used to express interest and warmth."
c. "Touch is used in situations in which the client is unstable."
d. "Touch is best mixed with compassion when dealing with the anxious client." -
Answers - a
Which statement by the nurse reflects the use of a therapeutic statement?
a. "You look upset. Would you like to talk about it?"
b. "I'd like to know more about your children. Tell me about them."
c. "I understand your husband passed away. I couldn't bear that."
d. "You look very sad. How long have you been this way? Have you been taking care of
yourself?" - Answers - a
A psychiatric-mental health nurse has been off of work for the past 4 days, as per the
normal work schedule on the unit. On the nurse's first day back, a longterm client says,
"I haven't seen you around here since Thursday. How was your time off?" What is the
nurse's most appropriate response?
a. "I've been off for the past four days. What have you done since I last saw you?"
