Open-Ended & Exploratory
This type of question encourages the patient to share more than a yes/no answer.
What is an open-ended question?
This technique acknowledges a patient’s feelings without agreeing with behavior.
What is validation?
Giving advice without patient input is considered __________ communication.
What is non-therapeutic communication?
This communication technique is essential for maintaining safety on a psych unit.
What is establishing boundaries and setting limits?
This technique allows the patient time to process thoughts, emotions, and formulate a response.
What is therapeutic silence?
“Tell me more about what led up to that moment.” is an example of this technique.
What is exploring?
What is the difference between validation and reassurance?
Validation acknowledges feelings; reassurance minimizes or dismisses them.
This phrase often shuts down conversation: “You should…”
It gives advice/personal opinions and removes patient autonomy.
Why is consistency important when setting limits with patients?
It builds trust, reduces confusion, and promotes safety.
When might silence be more therapeutic than talking?
When a patient is processing emotions or expressing distress.
This technique calls attention to the person's behavior (ex. nail biting, trembling, leg shaking). Encouraged patient to notice the behaviors and describe thoughts and feelings for mutual understanding.
What is making observations?
This technique directs questions, feelings, and ideas back to the patient. Encourages the patient to accept their own ideas and feelings.
What is reflecting?
Identify the issue with this response: “Don't worry, everything happens for a reason.”
It provides false reassurance, invalidates the patient’s feelings, and minimizes distress.
Identify the boundary violation in the nurse–patient interaction.
Patient: "Something bad happened to me. If I tell you, will you promise not to tell anyone?"
Nurse: "Yes, you can trust me."
What is confidentiality limits and mandatory reporting?
Patient: "I have felt this way my whole life. I just cannot do it anymore."
How should the nurse respond? What therapeutic technique can be used?
-Nurse: "What do you mean you cannot do it anymore?" (Focusing/Encouraging evaluation)
-Nurse: “It sounds like things have felt pretty overwhelming. I’m here with you. Can you tell me more about what’s been happening?” (Exploring)
Why are “why” questions generally avoided in therapeutic communication?
They can feel accusatory or judgmental and shut down communication.
Identify the problem with this statement: “At least it’s not worse.”
It minimizes the patient’s feelings and discourages expression.
A patient says, “I feel hopeless.” Which response is MOST therapeutic?
“That sounds really painful—can you tell me more about what’s making you feel this way?”
Formulate a therapeutic limit-setting statement for an agitated patient.
“I can’t let you hit anyone, but I can stay with you and help you calm down.”
Allows the patient to take direction in the conversation. Indicated that the nurse if interested in what comes next.
Give an example!
What is offering general leads?
Rewrite this statement therapeutically: “Why did you do that?”
“Can you help me understand what was going on for you at that time?”
Create a validating response for a patient expressing intense anger.
“I can see how angry you feel right now, and I want to understand what led to this.”
Convert a non-therapeutic response into a therapeutic one.
Example: “You’ll be fine” → “You’re really worried right now—let’s talk about what’s concerning you.”
A patient becomes verbally aggressive and demands special privileges. The nurse responds, “If you don’t calm down right now, you’ll lose all your privileges.”
What is using a threat instead of therapeutic limit-setting?
A nurse enters a patient's room to see the patient curled up in the corner. When the nurse starts asking the patient questions, the patient states, "I don't really want to talk right now."
The nurse responds by stating: "I will stay here and sit with you awhile."
What is offering self?