Module 02 Assignment- ATI Video Case Study on Therapeutic
Communication
Purpose
1. Identify therapeutic and non-therapeutic communication techniques.
2. Identify congruency between verbal and non-verbal communication.
3. Document the conversation and label the parts of the conversation.
Course Competency
Apply strategies for safe, effective multidimensional nursing practice when providing
basic care and comfort for clients.
Instructions
For this assignment, fill out the template provided directly after these instructions.
1. Listen to the ATI video case study called Therapeutic Communication.
2. Record the conversation, indicating the comments made by the nurse and client in
the correct columns.
3. Observe and document the verbal and non-verbal communication.
4. Label the verbal and non-verbal communication as therapeutic or non-therapeutic.
5. Provide the rationale for each of the labels (therapeutic or non-therapeutic).
6. Indicate a statement or response that may have been more therapeutic for those
believed to be barriers to communication.
7. At the conclusion of the conversation, write a paragraph indicating how you would
feel if you were the client in this situation.
Nurse
Verbal
Therapeutic Expresses concern for the client’s feelings by asking,
“Are we feeling any better now?”
Shows a sense of professionalism
Allows the client to speak without interruption
Allows the client to explain his concerns and get further
information by asking, “What exactly makes you say
that?”
, Non-therapeutic False reassurance: vague with little or no meaning;
blocks expression of feeling; communicates lack of
understanding and empathy.
Giving advice: telling the client what to do or how to
behave implying that the nurse knows what is best &
that the client is incapable of any self-direction.
Belittling feelings expressed: putting
down/devaluing patient feelings. Telling patient others
have felt the same. Saying feelings are not unusual. A
lack of empathy & understanding may be conveyed.
Making stereotyped comments: scripted, automatic,
& impersonal clichés & expressions keeps a distance in
a nurse-client relationship.
Requesting an explanation: makes patient invent a
reason when asking the client to provide the reason for
thoughts, feelings, behavior, and events. Often the
patient does not know what the reason is.
The nurse (perhaps unintentionally) directs the meeting
on herself rather than strictly focusing on the client by
stating, “I know exactly how you feel. I felt the same
way when I lost my father.”
Alternate Response Give broad openings: allows the client to take the
initiative in introducing the topic. (therapeutic)
Offer general leads: offers the client encouragement
to continue. (therapeutic)
Restating: repeating the main idea in different words
to give evidence to the patient that he is understood.
(therapeutic)
Reflecting: directs back questions, feelings, & ideas so
that they are recognized and accepted. (therapeutic)
Focusing: taking notice of a single idea or even a single
point giving it importance and worth. (therapeutic)
Non verbal
Therapeutic Sits face to face with patient at a comfortable distance
apart.
Writes down/records information that the patient is
Communication
Purpose
1. Identify therapeutic and non-therapeutic communication techniques.
2. Identify congruency between verbal and non-verbal communication.
3. Document the conversation and label the parts of the conversation.
Course Competency
Apply strategies for safe, effective multidimensional nursing practice when providing
basic care and comfort for clients.
Instructions
For this assignment, fill out the template provided directly after these instructions.
1. Listen to the ATI video case study called Therapeutic Communication.
2. Record the conversation, indicating the comments made by the nurse and client in
the correct columns.
3. Observe and document the verbal and non-verbal communication.
4. Label the verbal and non-verbal communication as therapeutic or non-therapeutic.
5. Provide the rationale for each of the labels (therapeutic or non-therapeutic).
6. Indicate a statement or response that may have been more therapeutic for those
believed to be barriers to communication.
7. At the conclusion of the conversation, write a paragraph indicating how you would
feel if you were the client in this situation.
Nurse
Verbal
Therapeutic Expresses concern for the client’s feelings by asking,
“Are we feeling any better now?”
Shows a sense of professionalism
Allows the client to speak without interruption
Allows the client to explain his concerns and get further
information by asking, “What exactly makes you say
that?”
, Non-therapeutic False reassurance: vague with little or no meaning;
blocks expression of feeling; communicates lack of
understanding and empathy.
Giving advice: telling the client what to do or how to
behave implying that the nurse knows what is best &
that the client is incapable of any self-direction.
Belittling feelings expressed: putting
down/devaluing patient feelings. Telling patient others
have felt the same. Saying feelings are not unusual. A
lack of empathy & understanding may be conveyed.
Making stereotyped comments: scripted, automatic,
& impersonal clichés & expressions keeps a distance in
a nurse-client relationship.
Requesting an explanation: makes patient invent a
reason when asking the client to provide the reason for
thoughts, feelings, behavior, and events. Often the
patient does not know what the reason is.
The nurse (perhaps unintentionally) directs the meeting
on herself rather than strictly focusing on the client by
stating, “I know exactly how you feel. I felt the same
way when I lost my father.”
Alternate Response Give broad openings: allows the client to take the
initiative in introducing the topic. (therapeutic)
Offer general leads: offers the client encouragement
to continue. (therapeutic)
Restating: repeating the main idea in different words
to give evidence to the patient that he is understood.
(therapeutic)
Reflecting: directs back questions, feelings, & ideas so
that they are recognized and accepted. (therapeutic)
Focusing: taking notice of a single idea or even a single
point giving it importance and worth. (therapeutic)
Non verbal
Therapeutic Sits face to face with patient at a comfortable distance
apart.
Writes down/records information that the patient is
