NCLEX-RN Therapeutic Communication & Legal Flashcards

In therapeutic communication, what is the primary purpose of a 'broad opening' statement (e.g., 'What would you like to discuss today?')?

Distinguish between these two similar therapeutic techniques:

What is the therapeutic benefit of using silence during an interaction with a client?

A nurse asks a client, 'Why did you stop taking your medication?' What is the primary reason this is non-therapeutic?

A client states, 'I'm terrified I won't get better.' The nurse replies, 'Don't worry, everything will be fine.' This is an example of:

Why is 'giving advice' considered non-therapeutic in psychiatric nursing?

Define the defense mechanism of Denial.

Identify the correct defense mechanisms:

A client is reprimanded by their boss at work. When they get home, they angrily kick the dog. Which defense mechanism is this?

What does a client doing who is using the defense mechanism of Rationalization?

Name one of the three legal criteria generally required for involuntary psychiatric commitment.

Under the Tarasoff ruling (Duty to Warn), when is a healthcare professional legally obligated to breach confidentiality?

Select the maximum duration for a single behavioral restraint order based on age group:

For a patient in behavioral restraints, how frequently must the nurse assess signs of injury, circulation, and range of motion?

Name one of the three critical components to assess when a patient expresses suicidal ideation.

A nurse tells a withdrawn client, 'I will stay with you for a while.' The nurse does not demand the client speak. Which technique is this?

What is the therapeutic purpose of 'Making Observations' (e.g., 'You seem tense' or 'I notice you are pacing')?

A client claims to be the FBI director. The nurse responds, 'I find that hard to believe.' This is an example of:

Why is 'Seeking Clarification' (e.g., 'I'm not sure I follow...') important in therapeutic communication?

Complete the statement regarding hallucination management:

A client mentions wanting to die. The nurse asks, 'Did you have visitors this weekend?' Why is this non-therapeutic?

A client says, 'I have nothing to live for.' The nurse replies, 'Everyone gets down sometimes.' This is: