During a mental health interview, the nurse notices that the patient’s words do not match the patient’s tense posture. Which response is most therapeutic?
Correct answer: B. “I notice you are clenching your hands while saying you feel calm.”
- A. “You seem relaxed, so there is no need to worry.”
- B. “I notice you are clenching your hands while saying you feel calm.”
- C. “Why are you pretending that everything is fine?”
- D. “Let us discuss your discharge arrangements instead.”
Explanation
Verbalising observations gently points out the difference between the patient’s words and behaviour without judging it. This can help the patient examine feelings that may be difficult to state directly.
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About Therapeutic Communication
Therapeutic communication covers active listening, empathy, clarification, reflection, silence, open-ended questioning, and purposeful responses that help patients express thoughts and feelings. It distinguishes therapeutic techniques from barriers such as false reassurance, advice-giving, judgment, changing the subject, probing, and asking repeated or closed questions.
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