Therapeutic Comm Q 8
The nurse asks a newly admitted client, “What can we do to help you?” What is the purpose of this therapeutic communication technique?
A. To reframe the client's thoughts about mental health treatment
B. To put the client at ease
C. To explore a subject, idea, experience, or relationship
D. To communicate that the nurse is listening to the conversation
Correct Answer: C. To explore a subject, idea, experience, or relationship
This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of exploring. The purpose of exploring is to delve further into the subject, idea, experience, or relationship. This technique is especially helpful with clients who tend to remain on a superficial level of communication.
Option A: The statement is not used to reframe the client’s thoughts. A helpful therapeutic technique can be theme identification. It allows the nurse to best promote the client’s exploration and understanding of important problems.
Option B: This statement will not put the client at ease. When clients deal with topics superficially, exploring can help them examine the issue more fully. If the client expresses an unwillingness to explore a subject, however, the nurse must respect his wishes.
Option D: Providing general leads indicates that the nurse is listening and following what the client is saying without taking away the initiative for the interaction. They also encourage the client to continue if he is hesitant or uncomfortable about the topic.