Therapeutic Comm Q 27
Which nursing statement is a good example of the therapeutic communication technique of offering self?
A. "I think it would be great if you talked about that problem during our next group session."
B. "Would you like me to accompany you to your electroconvulsive therapy treatment?"
C. "I notice that you are offering help to other peers in the milieu."
D. "After discharge, would you like to meet me for lunch to review your outpatient progress?"
Correct Answer: B. “Would you like me to accompany you to your electroconvulsive therapy treatment?”
This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of offering self. Offering self-makes the nurse available on an unconditional basis, increasing the client’s feelings of self-worth. Professional boundaries must be maintained when using the technique of offering self.
Option A: Exploring refers to delving further into a subject or idea. When clients deal with topics superficially, exploring can help them examine the issue more fully. Any problem or concern can be better understood if explored in depth.
Option C: Giving recognition or acknowledging the efforts the client has made can be therapeutic. It shows that the nurse recognizes the client as an individual. Such recognition does not carry the notion of value, that is, of being “good” or “bad”.
Option D: It would be inappropriate for the nurse to let herself become available to a client who has been discharged from care. The nurse and the client must recognize that loss may accompany the ending of a relationship.