A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with schizophrenia for ...

[Arii_bell]

A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with schizophrenia for the presence of hallucinations. Which therapeutic communication technique used by the nurse is an example of making observations?
 
  A. You appear to be talking to someone I do not see.
  B. Please describe what you are seeing.
  C. Why do you continually look in the corner of this room?
  D. If you hum a tune, the voices may not be so distracting.

Question 2

A client diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder is admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit for evaluation and medication stabilization. Which therapeutic communication technique used by the nurse is an example of a broad opening?
 
  A. What occurred prior to the rape, and when did you go to the emergency department?
  B. What would you like to talk about?
  C. I notice you seem uncomfortable discussing this.
  D. How can we help you feel safe during your stay here?

[Qarqy]

Answer to Question 1

A
The nurse is making an observation when stating, You appear to be talking to someone I do not see. Making observations involves verbalizing what is observed or perceived. This encourages the client to recognize specific behaviors and make comparisons with the nurse's perceptions.

Answer to Question 2

B
The nurse's statement, What would you like to talk about? is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of giving broad openings. Using a broad opening allows the client to take the initiative in introducing the topic and emphasizes the importance of the client's role in the interaction.