The nurse is planning approaches to use to begin the ...

[Starlight]

The nurse is planning approaches to use to begin the establishment of the nurse-patient relationship. Which therapeutic communication techniques will be most useful to achieve this goal? Select all that apply.
 
  a. Attentively listening as the patient describes their obsessive compulsive rituals
  b. Asking the anxious patient if they have a plan for controlling their current anxiety
  c. Encouraging the depressed patient to come and talk with me whenever you want
  d. Sitting quietly in the room while the non-communicating patient unpacks their belongings
  e. Responding to the patient's feelings of loss by stating, I know that must have made you very sad.

Question 2

The nurse has been working for several weeks with a single mom who has been both ver-bally and physically abused by her children's father. Which nursing actions are appropri-ate for this stage of treatment? Select all that apply.
 
  a. Asking, How does it make you feel when he hits you?
  b. Providing information regarding women's shelters in the local area
  c. Assuring the patient that her children can visit when she wants to see them
  d. Sharing that, I know leaving him is difficult but you need a plan if he abuses you again.
  e. Responding, You've certainly become more assertive; don't be afraid to stand up for yourself.

[leannegxo]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, C, D, E
Attentive listening, offering self, silence and empathy are all therapeutic communication techniques that are appropriate for use in the orientation stage of the nurse-patient relation-ship. Encouraging plan formulation is reserved for the working phase of the relationship.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, B, D
The working phase of the nurse-patient relationship involves evaluating the affects of the abuse, providing information that will help formulate a plan to end or manage the effects of the abuse, and encouraging the patient to confront the problem even when it is stressful. As-suring the patient that her children may visit is something that would happen in the orienta-tion phase of the relationship when making the patient comfortable and responsive to treat-ment occurs. Positively reinforcing behaviors occurs in the termination phase as preparations are being made for discharge.