Therapeutic Comm Q 43
Which example of a therapeutic communication technique would be effective in the planning phase of the nursing process?
A. "We've discussed past coping skills. Let's see if these coping skills can be effective now."
B. "Please tell me in your own words what brought you to the hospital."
C. "This new approach worked for you. Keep it up."
D. "I notice that you seem to be responding to voices that I do not hear."
Correct Answer: A. “We’ve discussed past coping skills. Let’s see if these coping skills can be effective now.”
This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of formulating a plan of action. By the use of this technique, the nurse can help the client plan in advance to deal with a stressful situation which may prevent anger and/or anxiety from escalating to an unmanageable level.
Option B: Asking this question should be done at the assessment phase of the nursing process. Encouraging the description of perceptions is a therapeutic technique that allows the nurse to see things from the client’s perspective. Encouraging the client to describe fully may relieve the tension the client is feeling.
Option C: Acknowledging that the approach is working occurs in the evaluation phase of the nursing process. Noting the efforts that the client has made 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: Making observations or verbalizing what the nurse perceives may occur in the assessment phase. Sometimes clients cannot verbalize or make themselves understood. Or the client may not be ready to talk.