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NCLEX-PN Exam Bank: Therapeutic
Communication Techniques for LPNs
Table of Contents
Subtopic 1: Foundations of Therapeutic Communication ................................................. 2
Subtopic 2: Communication Techniques in Mental Health Nursing ................................... 9
Subtopic 3: Communication with Pediatric and Adolescent Patients .............................. 17
Subtopic 4: Communication with Older Adult Patients ................................................... 25
Subtopic 5: Addressing Cultural Sensitivity in Therapeutic Communication .................... 32
Subtopic 6: Communication with Patients Experiencing Cognitive Impairment (Questions
101–120)..................................................................................................................... 40
Subtopic 7: Responding to Patient Emotions—Grief, Anger, and Anxiety .......................... 48
Subtopic 8: Therapeutic Communication in Chronic Illness and Pain Management .......... 56
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Subtopic 1: Foundations of Therapeutic Communication
Question 1:
A patient says, “I don’t think I’ll ever recover from this illness.” Which response by the LPN
demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. “Don’t say that, you’ll be fine soon.”
B. “It sounds like you’re feeling hopeless right now.”
C. “You just need to stay positive.”
D. “Other patients have recovered just fine.”
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Reflecting feelings allows the patient to express emotions and shows empathy.
It fosters openness and trust.
Question 2:
The LPN observes that a patient is unusually quiet. What is the most therapeutic initial
response?
A. “You must be feeling sad today.”
B. “Why are you so quiet?”
C. “I’ve noticed you’ve been quiet today. Would you like to talk?”
D. “You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to.”
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Making an observation encourages the patient to express themselves without
pressuring them.
Question 3:
A patient states, “I feel like I’m a burden to everyone.” What should the LPN say to
therapeutically respond?
A. “That’s not true.”
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B. “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
C. “What makes you feel like a burden?”
D. “Everyone loves you here.”
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Asking open-ended questions helps patients explore their thoughts and
emotions.
Question 4:
Which of the following is an example of an open-ended question?
A. “Do you feel better today?”
B. “How have you been feeling since your surgery?”
C. “Did the medication help?”
D. “Are you in pain right now?”
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Open-ended questions encourage more detailed patient responses, enhancing
communication.
Question 5:
When using therapeutic silence, the LPN should:
A. Sit quietly while maintaining a supportive presence.
B. Talk about unrelated topics to distract the patient.
C. Leave the room to give the patient space.
D. Ask multiple questions to keep the conversation going.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Silence can be a powerful tool when used supportively, allowing the patient time
to think.
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Question 6:
A patient says, “I’m scared of going into surgery tomorrow.” What is the most therapeutic
response by the LPN?
A. “There’s nothing to worry about.”
B. “Try not to think about it.”
C. “Tell me what scares you the most about the surgery.”
D. “Your surgeon is very experienced.”
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Exploring the patient's fears validates their feelings and promotes emotional
expression.
Question 7:
Which statement is an example of providing reassurance, which is non-therapeutic?
A. “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”
B. “What concerns you the most about this situation?”
C. “Would you like to talk more about how you’re feeling?”
D. “That sounds very difficult for you.”
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Providing false reassurance can diminish the patient's feelings and block
communication.
Question 8:
The LPN tells a patient, “I understand this is difficult for you.” This is an example of:
A. Advice-giving
B. Empathy
C. Judgment
D. Clarification
NCLEX-PN Exam Bank: Therapeutic
Communication Techniques for LPNs
Table of Contents
Subtopic 1: Foundations of Therapeutic Communication ................................................. 2
Subtopic 2: Communication Techniques in Mental Health Nursing ................................... 9
Subtopic 3: Communication with Pediatric and Adolescent Patients .............................. 17
Subtopic 4: Communication with Older Adult Patients ................................................... 25
Subtopic 5: Addressing Cultural Sensitivity in Therapeutic Communication .................... 32
Subtopic 6: Communication with Patients Experiencing Cognitive Impairment (Questions
101–120)..................................................................................................................... 40
Subtopic 7: Responding to Patient Emotions—Grief, Anger, and Anxiety .......................... 48
Subtopic 8: Therapeutic Communication in Chronic Illness and Pain Management .......... 56
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Subtopic 1: Foundations of Therapeutic Communication
Question 1:
A patient says, “I don’t think I’ll ever recover from this illness.” Which response by the LPN
demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. “Don’t say that, you’ll be fine soon.”
B. “It sounds like you’re feeling hopeless right now.”
C. “You just need to stay positive.”
D. “Other patients have recovered just fine.”
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Reflecting feelings allows the patient to express emotions and shows empathy.
It fosters openness and trust.
Question 2:
The LPN observes that a patient is unusually quiet. What is the most therapeutic initial
response?
A. “You must be feeling sad today.”
B. “Why are you so quiet?”
C. “I’ve noticed you’ve been quiet today. Would you like to talk?”
D. “You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to.”
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Making an observation encourages the patient to express themselves without
pressuring them.
Question 3:
A patient states, “I feel like I’m a burden to everyone.” What should the LPN say to
therapeutically respond?
A. “That’s not true.”
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B. “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
C. “What makes you feel like a burden?”
D. “Everyone loves you here.”
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Asking open-ended questions helps patients explore their thoughts and
emotions.
Question 4:
Which of the following is an example of an open-ended question?
A. “Do you feel better today?”
B. “How have you been feeling since your surgery?”
C. “Did the medication help?”
D. “Are you in pain right now?”
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Open-ended questions encourage more detailed patient responses, enhancing
communication.
Question 5:
When using therapeutic silence, the LPN should:
A. Sit quietly while maintaining a supportive presence.
B. Talk about unrelated topics to distract the patient.
C. Leave the room to give the patient space.
D. Ask multiple questions to keep the conversation going.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Silence can be a powerful tool when used supportively, allowing the patient time
to think.
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Question 6:
A patient says, “I’m scared of going into surgery tomorrow.” What is the most therapeutic
response by the LPN?
A. “There’s nothing to worry about.”
B. “Try not to think about it.”
C. “Tell me what scares you the most about the surgery.”
D. “Your surgeon is very experienced.”
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Exploring the patient's fears validates their feelings and promotes emotional
expression.
Question 7:
Which statement is an example of providing reassurance, which is non-therapeutic?
A. “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”
B. “What concerns you the most about this situation?”
C. “Would you like to talk more about how you’re feeling?”
D. “That sounds very difficult for you.”
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Providing false reassurance can diminish the patient's feelings and block
communication.
Question 8:
The LPN tells a patient, “I understand this is difficult for you.” This is an example of:
A. Advice-giving
B. Empathy
C. Judgment
D. Clarification
