Therapeutic Comm Q 29
A client slammed a door on the unit several times. The nurse responds, “You seem angry.” The client states, “I’m not angry.” What therapeutic communication technique has the nurse employed and what defense mechanism is the client unconsciously demonstrating?
A. Making observations and the defense mechanism of suppression
B. Verbalizing the implied and the defense mechanism of denial
C. Reflection and the defense mechanism of projection
D. Encouraging descriptions of perceptions and the defense mechanism of displacement
Correct Answer: B. Verbalizing the implied and the defense mechanism of denial
This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of verbalizing the implied. The nurse is putting into words what the client has only implied by words or actions. Denial is the refusal of the client to acknowledge the existence of a real situation, the feelings associated with it, or both.
Option A: Making observations refers to verbalizing what the nurse perceives. Sometimes clients cannot verbalize or make themselves understood, or the client may not be ready to talk. Forcing the unwanted information out of the awareness is known as suppression. In most cases, however, this removal of anxiety-provoking memories from our awareness is believed to occur unconsciously.
Option C: Reflection is directing client actions, thoughts, and feelings back to the client; may use the same words. This encourages the client to recognize and accept his feelings. Projection is a defense mechanism that involves taking our own unacceptable qualities or feelings and ascribing them to other people.
Option D: Encouraging descriptions of perceptions refers to asking the client to verbalize what he or she perceives. To understand the client, the nurse must see things from the client’s perspective. Displacement involves taking out our frustrations, feelings, and impulses on people or objects that are less threatening.