Therapeutic communication
A client is discussing multiple stressors. The nurse says, “Let’s go back to what you said about your job stress.”
What is focusing?
The nurse says, “You’re wrong—your family does care about you.”
What is arguing?
The nurse reviews the client’s chart and reflects on personal biases before meeting them.
What is the pre-interaction phase?
A client refuses surgery despite risks, and the nurse supports this decision.
What is autonomy?
The nurse collects vital signs and subjective data from the client.
What is assessment?
A nurse states, “You’re feeling overwhelmed because you’re balancing work and school.”
What is paraphrasing?
The nurse asks, “Why didn’t you follow the treatment plan?”
What is asking for explanations (why questions)?
The nurse introduces themselves, establishes trust, and explains confidentiality.
What is the orientation phase?
The nurse administers pain medication to relieve suffering.
What is beneficence?
The nurse identifies “Anxiety related to hospitalization.”
What is diagnosis?
A client says, “I’m nervous about my diagnosis.” The nurse responds, “It makes sense to feel anxious about this.”
What is validation?
The nurse says, “If I were you, I would quit that job.”
What is giving advice?
The nurse helps the client develop coping strategies and explore emotions.
What is the working phase?
The nurse double-checks medication dosage to prevent harm.
What is nonmaleficence?
The nurse determines whether the client met the goal of reduced anxiety.
What is evaluation?
The nurse says, “Can you explain what you mean when you say you feel ‘off’?”
What is clarifying?
A client expresses grief, and the nurse says, “Let’s talk about your medications instead.”
What is changing the subject?
The nurse and client discuss discharge and review progress toward goals.
What is the termination phase?
The nurse ensures fair allocation of limited resources among all patients.
What is justice?
The nurse develops goals such as “Client will verbalize decreased anxiety within 24 hours.”
What is planning?
At the end of a session, the nurse reviews key topics discussed and agreed-upon coping strategies.
What is summarizing?
The nurse states, “I feel so sorry for you—this must be terrible.”
What is sympathy?
The nurse identifies feelings of anxiety before meeting a challenging client and plans how to remain therapeutic.
What is the pre-interaction phase (self-awareness)?
The nurse keeps a promise to return with pain medication at a specific time.
What is fidelity?
The nurse uses therapeutic communication techniques to support the client.
What is implementation?