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Difficulty: MediumTherapeutic Communication

A practical nurse is applying therapeutic communication principles during various client interactions. Connect each observed client behavior or statement to the most effective nursing response.

  • A client walks rapidly back and forth in the room and tightly grips the bed rail."I notice that you are walking back and forth. Would you like to talk about what is bothering you?"
  • A client facing a difficult decision asks, 'Do you think I should consent to this risky surgical procedure?'"What are your thoughts and feelings about having this procedure?"
  • A client stares blankly at the wall and weeps silently after the provider leaves the room."I will stay here and sit with you for a few minutes."
  • A client states, 'I just don't know how I am going to manage my care when I go home.'"You are feeling unsure about handling your care after discharge."

Answer

The correct pairings match each client's specific verbal or nonverbal cues with the therapeutic technique that best addresses their immediate psychological needs: making observations for nonverbal agitation, reflecting questions back to the client, offering silent support for acute distress, and restating verbalized concerns.
Each correct pairing matches the client's presentation with an evidence-based therapeutic communication strategy: making observations for nonverbal agitation, reflecting for advice-seeking, offering self for silent grief, and restating for expressed anxiety.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client pacing and gripping the bed rail.
Identify this as nonverbal agitation.
Recognizing nonverbal cues requires a response that observes the behavior (making observations) to gently invite the client to share their feelings.
2
Analyze the client asking for advice about surgery.
Identify this as a situation where giving advice should be avoided.
The nurse must reflect the question back to the client to promote client autonomy and self-exploration.
3
Analyze the client weeping silently after a provider visit.
Identify this as acute grief or shock.
In moments of acute distress where the client is nonverbal, simply offering presence (offering self) is the most supportive therapeutic intervention.
4
Analyze the client expressing worry about home care.
Identify this as verbalized anxiety regarding discharge.
Restating the client's words validates their feelings and encourages further discussion about their specific fears.

Key Concept

Therapeutic Communication Techniques
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Topics

Therapeutic Communication

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