Therapeutic/Non-Therapeutic
Tell me more about what you're feeling.
Therapeutic - open ended statements that allow the patient to direct the conversation
A patient has crossed arms and looks away. This body language may indicate what emotional state?
Defensiveness or discomfort Closed posture
“I want to understand what you’re going through.”
Empathy - validates feelings and builds rapport.
The nurse interrupts the patient frequently.
Reduces trust and disrupts disclosure
Rationale: Interruptions block expression.
“It sounds like you’re feeling alone. Tell me more about that.”
Acknowledges feelings and encourages elaboration.
The nurse says, “Everything will be fine.”
False reassurance/ Non-therapeutic
Behavior a nurse can use to communicate presence
Nodding, leaning forward slightly, maintaining open posture/ engagement.
Summarizing the patient’s concerns
Clarification and confirmation of understanding
A nurse using medical jargon with a patient who has low health literacy
Understanding/comprehension barrier
Rationale: Complicates learning and safety.
“What do you think is keeping you awake?”
Exploring; encourages the patient to identify causes.
The nurse responds, “Why didn’t you just take your medicine?”
what are Asking “why” questions/non‑therapeutic technique.
Lack of eye contact can indicate anxiety, cultural norms, or what other emotional state?
Shame or embarrassment, feeling vulnerable.
Using the patient’s name and maintaining a calm tone
Respect and professionalism/builds trust
When high stress interferes with understanding, leading to the ability to concentrate and process information
What is Anxiety
“It makes sense to feel scared. What worries you the most?”
Validates feelings and opens conversation.
The nurse repeats part of the patient’s statement to encourage elaboration.
Restating/Paraphrasing /therapeutic
The patient using the therapeutic use of silence
Reflect and process feelings
Asking the patient to describe what is most important to them at the moment
Patient-centered communication/ patient's perspective
A family member constantly answering for the patient
Inhibited patient autonomy
Rationale: Prevents direct communication.
When the patient says “Please don’t tell my family.”
Confidentiality
Rationale: Maintain privacy unless safety is threatened.
The nurse shifts the conversation to her own experiences instead of exploring the patient’s feelings.
Changing the subject / Self‑disclosure: non-therapeutic
The MOST therapeutic nonverbal response, if the patient begins crying,
Sit quietly, stay present, offer tissue if appropriate/Nonverbal presence fosters trust and emotional safety
recognizing and verbalizing the patient’s feelings
Reflection of feelings/ identify and process emotions
Stereotyping or making assumptions about a patient based on culture or appearance
Bias / Prejudgment
Rationale: Limits therapeutic engagement and safety.
“What makes you feel that way?”
Encourages expression without judgment.