Therapeutic Communication MCQ Questions And Answers

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  • 1/15 Questions

    A patient is crying and says, "I just feel so overwhelmed by everything." What is the most appropriate initial response by the nurse?

    • "Here's a tissue. Try not to cry."
    • "I can see that you're feeling overwhelmed. Would you like to talk about it?"
    • "Everything will be okay. Just take deep breaths."
    • "You have a strong support system. You'll get through this."
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About This Quiz

Mastering therapeutic communication objective questions and answers is essential for healthcare professionals seeking to build strong patient relationships. This quiz covers crucial concepts like active listening, empathy, and non-verbal cues, ensuring you develop effective communication skills.

Challenge yourself with this therapeutic communication quiz to test your understanding of key principles and best practices in patient-centered care. Each question is designed to reinforce your knowledge and boost confidence. Get ready to enhance your ability to foster effective communication.

Therapeutic Communication MCQ Questions And Answers - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    A patient is angry about a delayed medication administration. Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?

    • "You shouldn't be angry; it was an honest mistake."

    • "I can see that you're upset. Can you tell me what happened from your perspective?"

    • "I'll report this to my supervisor right away."

    • "Sometimes delays happen. It's not a big deal."

    Correct Answer
    A. "I can see that you're upset. Can you tell me what happened from your perspective?"
    Explanation
    This response acknowledges the patient's anger without judgment. It uses reflection, a key therapeutic communication technique, by identifying the patient's emotion. Asking the patient to share their perspective validates their feelings and allows the nurse to understand the situation from the patient's point of view. This approach promotes open communication and helps de-escalate the situation. It avoids defensiveness, which can escalate conflict. 

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  • 3. 

    A patient makes a statement that reflects a cultural belief different from the nurse's own. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

    • "I don't agree with that belief, but I respect your right to have it."

    • "That's interesting. Can you tell me more about that belief and its importance to you?"

    • "In our culture, we believe the opposite."

    • "I'm not sure that belief is accurate."

    Correct Answer
    A. "That's interesting. Can you tell me more about that belief and its importance to you?"
    Explanation
    This response demonstrates cultural sensitivity and respect for the patient's beliefs. It acknowledges the difference in beliefs without judgment and invites the patient to share more information. This approach fosters open communication and demonstrates the nurse's willingness to learn about the patient's culture. It's crucial for nurses to avoid imposing their own cultural beliefs on patients. Even if the nurse disagrees with a patient's belief, it's essential to respect their right to hold that belief. Dismissing or challenging the patient's beliefs can damage the therapeutic relationship and create a barrier to effective communication.

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  • 4. 

    A patient is scheduled for surgery tomorrow and expresses significant anxiety. Which response by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic communication?

    • "Don't worry, the surgery is routine, and you'll be fine."

    • "I understand you're anxious. Tell me more about what's making you feel this way."

    • "Everyone feels nervous before surgery. It's perfectly normal."

    • "Try to relax and think positive thoughts. It will all be over soon."

    Correct Answer
    A. "I understand you're anxious. Tell me more about what's making you feel this way."
    Explanation
    This response demonstrates empathy and encourages the patient to express their feelings. It avoids dismissing the patient's anxiety, which can be a common pitfall in communication. By inviting the patient to elaborate on their concerns, the nurse opens a channel for further exploration and support. This approach acknowledges the patient's emotional experience as valid and creates a safe space for them to share their fears. It is crucial to understand the specific reasons behind the anxiety to provide tailored support and address any misconceptions the patient might have. 

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  • 5. 

    A patient reports feeling lonely and isolated since being admitted to the hospital. Which response by the nurse is most likely to foster a therapeutic relationship?

    • "Try to participate in some of the hospital activities. That might help."

    • "I understand that being in the hospital can be isolating. Many patients feel that way."

    • "I can sit with you for a few minutes. Tell me more about what you're experiencing."

    • "We have a chaplain who visits patients. Would you like me to arrange a visit?"

    Correct Answer
    A. "I can sit with you for a few minutes. Tell me more about what you're experiencing."
    Explanation
    This response demonstrates a willingness to actively engage with the patient and provide support. Offering to sit with the patient shows a genuine interest in their well-being and a commitment to providing emotional support. Asking the patient to elaborate on their experience ("Tell me more about what you're experiencing") encourages them to share their feelings and helps the nurse understand the specific reasons for their loneliness and isolation.

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  • 6. 

    The nurse realizes that the pt is having a hard dealing with their diagnosis. The pt states that he is feeling alone with no one who understands.  Which type of communication could be the most useful for the pt?

    • Silence

    • Empathy

    • Reflection

    • Summarization

    Correct Answer
    A. Empathy
    Explanation
    Empathy could be the most useful type of communication for the patient because it would show the nurse's ability to understand and share the patient's feelings and emotions. By expressing empathy, the nurse can provide comfort, support, and reassurance to the patient, making them feel understood and less alone in their situation. This can help the patient cope better with their diagnosis and feel more connected to the nurse.

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  • 7. 

    Checking our own prejudices and values at the door is vital to being a good nurse.

    • Very true

    • Not necessarily

    • Not many times

    • No

    Correct Answer
    A. Very true
    Explanation
    It is important for nurses to check their own prejudices and values at the door in order to provide unbiased and patient-centered care. By setting aside personal beliefs and judgments, nurses can create a safe and inclusive environment for patients, respecting their autonomy and individuality. This allows for better communication, trust, and understanding between nurses and patients, ultimately leading to improved healthcare outcomes.

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  • 8. 

    The nurse's pt is diabetic. The pt's family decides to celebrate a birthday in the hospital and brings in cake and ice cream. The pt can't have these, and the nurse states to the pt's spouse, "How can you bring these things into your husband's hospital room knowing he can't eat any of this and he is sick?" The nurse has done what?

    • Minimizing feelings

    • False reassurance

    • Value Judgment

    • Nonverbal blocker

    Correct Answer
    A. Value Judgment
    Explanation
    The nurse has made a value judgment by expressing disapproval towards the family's decision to bring in cake and ice cream for the patient. The nurse is implying that it is wrong or inappropriate for the family to do so, based on their knowledge of the patient's condition and dietary restrictions. This type of judgment can be seen as subjective and may not be helpful in promoting a positive and supportive environment for the patient and their family.

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  • 9. 

    Looking annoyed and not making eye contact are nonverbal blockers.

    • Yes

    • Mostly

    • Many times

    • No

    Correct Answer
    A. Yes
    Explanation
    Yes, looking annoyed and avoiding eye contact can indeed be considered nonverbal blockers. Nonverbal communication involves body language, gestures, facial expressions, and other cues that are not expressed through words. These "blockers" can hinder effective communication, as they might signal disinterest, discomfort, or a lack of openness to the conversation or interaction.

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  • 10. 

    Our own _____ can put us at odds with pts that are not living the way we think they should behave.

    • Values

    • Belief

    • Both

    • None

    Correct Answer
    A. Both
    Explanation
    Our own values and beliefs can put us at odds with patients who are not living the way we think they should behave. Values are the principles or standards that guide our behavior and judgments, while beliefs are the convictions or opinions we hold about certain things. When our values and beliefs differ from those of our patients, it can create conflict or disagreement in how we perceive their actions or choices. Therefore, both values and beliefs can contribute to this situation.

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  • 11. 

    Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of therapeutic communication?

    • Empathy 

    • Active listening 

    • Giving advice 

    • Respect

    Correct Answer
    A. Giving advice 
    Explanation
    Therapeutic communication focuses on creating a supportive and non-judgmental space for the patient to express their thoughts and feelings. Empathy, active listening, and respect are essential components of this approach. Giving advice, however, can undermine the patient's autonomy and may not be aligned with their individual needs and values.

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  • 12. 

    Stan is a new nurse. He is very concerned about getting his tasks done. He walks in on his pt, who is looking out the window. Stan asks, "What's wrong?" The pt answers, "I'm old, and my body is wearing out." Stan replies, "Nonsense, you aren't that old, and you just have a kidney infection." What has Stan done?

    • False reassurance

    • Minimizing feelings

    • Value judgment

    • Nonverbal blocker

    Correct Answer
    A. Minimizing feelings
    Explanation
    Stan has minimized the patient's feelings by dismissing their concerns and attributing their symptoms to a simple kidney infection. Instead of acknowledging and validating the patient's emotions about their age and physical condition, Stan downplays their feelings and offers a simplistic explanation. This response fails to address the patient's emotional needs and may make them feel unheard or invalidated.

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  • 13. 

    Kelsey is a 17 yo who has decided to have an abortion. The nurse does not agree with abortion. Kelsey is afraid of the procedure. The nurse, who is infuriated by the pts behavior, does not make eye contact with Kelsey. The nurse goes in and out of the room and looks annoyed, and only answers questions with a simple yes or no. The nurse has done what?

    • Minimizing feelings

    • False reassurance

    • Value Judgment

    • Nonverbal blocker

    Correct Answer
    A. Nonverbal blocker
    Explanation
    The nurse has displayed nonverbal blocker behavior by not making eye contact with Kelsey, looking annoyed, and only answering questions with a simple yes or no. This behavior indicates a lack of empathy and understanding towards Kelsey's situation, which can further increase her fear and anxiety about the procedure. The nurse's nonverbal cues suggest a lack of support and a dismissive attitude, hindering effective communication and rapport-building with the patient.

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  • 14. 

    Sid is a 70-year-old male who has multiple problems. Today he states that he is feeling badly about a new problem. The nurse needs to find out what the problem is. What type of communication is best suited to finding the problem?

    • Reflecting

    • Open-ended questions

    • Encouraging Comparisons

    • Focusing

    Correct Answer
    A. Open-ended questions
    Explanation
    The open-ended questions are the best starting point to find out the nature of the new problem. The best approach would be to start with something like, "Tell me more about what's been happening" or "What's different today?" This invites the patient to share their experience freely. This type of communication allows Sid to express himself fully and helps the nurse gather relevant information to address his concerns effectively. By actively listening and asking follow-up questions, the nurse can demonstrate empathy and support for Sid during this difficult time. 

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  • 15. 

    The nurse understands that they need to acknowledge their pt's pain. Which statement best shows the nurse's understanding of this principle?

    • Tell me more about your pain.

    • You said that your pain goes from your arm to your chest?

    • The pain in your arm is real and not in your imagination.

    • When you said your arm is hurt, where is the pain located?

    Correct Answer
    A. The pain in your arm is real and not in your imagination.
    Explanation
    The statement "The pain in your arm is real and not in your imagination" best shows the nurse's understanding of acknowledging the patient's pain. This statement validates the patient's experience and reassures them that their pain is not dismissed or minimized. It demonstrates empathy and understanding towards the patient's subjective experience of pain.

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  • Current Version
  • Feb 10, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Feb 03, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Rossj
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