Review the following client statements and behaviors. Match each clinical presentation with the therapeutic communication strategy that the practical nurse should implement.
- A client pacing the hallway with clenched fists states, 'I am perfectly calm and do not need to talk.'Making observations
- A client diagnosed with schizophrenia states, 'The night shift staff is crushing glass into my medications.'Voicing doubt
- A client with a new chronic diagnosis states, 'My family just does not understand what I am going through.'Exploring
- A client preparing for discharge states, 'Every time I think about changing my own wound dressing, I start to panic.'Formulating a plan of action
Answer
The pacing client matches with Making observations; the client with a delusion matches with Voicing doubt; the client discussing family matches with Exploring; and the client panicking over a dressing change matches with Formulating a plan of action.
Each correct match pairs a specific clinical presentation with a validated therapeutic technique that addresses the underlying emotional or psychological need of the client in that moment. Making observations addresses incongruent behavior, voicing doubt manages delusions safely, exploring gathers necessary detail on vague psychosocial stressors, and formulating a plan of action builds coping skills for anticipated anxiety.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Therapeutic Communication Techniques in Various Clinical Scenarios