Sure, here are 20 multiple-choice questions with rationales related to non-therapeutic and verbal

communication in psychiatric nursing:

1. **Diagnosing:**
Q: Which statement by the nurse is an example of non-therapeutic communication during the
assessment phase?
a) "Tell me more about what you're experiencing."
b) "You're feeling anxious, aren't you?"
c) "How can I help you feel more comfortable?"
d) "I'm here to support you through this process."

Rationale: Option b is an example of non-therapeutic communication as it imposes the nurse's

assumption onto the patient, potentially leading to biased responses.

2. **Implementing Activities:**
Q: What is the most therapeutic approach for the nurse to take when implementing a relaxation
exercise with a patient?
a) "You should try this relaxation technique; it really works."
b) "Let's explore different relaxation techniques together."
c) "I'll demonstrate the relaxation technique, and then you can try it."
d) "Relaxation exercises are essential for managing stress."

Rationale: Option b encourages collaboration and empowers the patient to be involved in

decision-making, fostering a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship.

3. **Documenting:**
Q: Which documentation entry accurately reflects non-biased and factual information?
a) "Patient appeared angry during session."
b) "Patient yelled and became aggressive."
 c) "Patient expressed frustration with treatment plan."
d) "Patient seemed upset and uncooperative."

Rationale: Option c objectively describes the patient's behavior without adding subjective
interpretations or judgments.

4. **Discharge Planning:**
Q: What is the nurse's priority action when discussing discharge planning with a patient?
a) Providing a list of community resources.
b) Setting goals for the patient's post-discharge care.
c) Ensuring the patient understands their medication regimen.
d) Assessing the patient's readiness and concerns about discharge.

Rationale: Option d is the priority as it involves assessing the patient's readiness and addressing
any concerns before proceeding with discharge planning.

5. **Diagnosing:**
Q: Which question by the nurse promotes non-therapeutic communication during the
assessment?
a) "How long have you been experiencing these symptoms?"
b) "Do you think your family history contributes to your current state?"
c) "Are you sure you're not just seeking attention?"
d) "Can you describe what triggers your anxiety?"

Rationale: Option c is judgmental and may make the patient defensive, hindering open
communication and accurate assessment.

6. **Implementing Activities:**
 Q: What statement by the nurse demonstrates effective verbal communication when
introducing a coping skill to a patient?
a) "You should practice deep breathing whenever you feel stressed."
b) "Let's discuss different coping strategies that might work for you."
c) "I'll show you how to do deep breathing, and then you can try it."
d) "Deep breathing is essential for managing your anxiety."

Rationale: Option c involves active participation and demonstration, allowing the patient to
learn the coping skill effectively.

7. **Documenting:**
Q: Which documentation entry reflects objective and factual information?
a) "Patient appeared paranoid and delusional."
b) "Patient seemed excessively worried and agitated."
c) "Patient reported hearing voices telling them to harm themselves."
d) "Patient displayed odd behavior and seemed disconnected."

Rationale: Option c provides specific information about the patient's reported auditory
hallucinations without subjective interpretations.

8. **Discharge Planning:**
Q: What action should the nurse prioritize when initiating discharge planning with a patient?
a) Providing information about outpatient therapy options.
b) Developing a comprehensive aftercare plan with the patient.
c) Educating the patient about the importance of follow-up appointments.
d) Assessing the patient's support system and home environment.
 Rationale: Option d is essential to ensure the patient's safety and support network post-
discharge, laying the foundation for effective discharge planning.

9. **Diagnosing:**
Q: Which statement by the nurse reflects non-therapeutic communication during the
assessment?
a) "Can you describe how you've been feeling lately?"
b) "Do you think your behavior is appropriate for your age?"
c) "What strategies have you used to cope with stress in the past?"
d) "Are you sure you're not exaggerating your symptoms?"

Rationale: Option d is confrontational and may discourage the patient from expressing their
concerns openly, hindering accurate assessment.

10. **Implementing Activities:**

Q: What approach should the nurse take when teaching a patient relaxation techniques?
a) "You need to do this relaxation exercise every day."
b) "Let's explore different relaxation techniques together and find what works best for you."
c) "I'll demonstrate the relaxation technique, and then you can try it."
d) "Relaxation exercises are helpful for reducing stress."

Rationale: Option b encourages collaboration and individualizes the approach to meet the
patient's needs, fostering a therapeutic relationship.

11. **Documenting:**
Q: Which documentation entry is objective and avoids subjective interpretations?
a) "Patient exhibited paranoid behavior during group therapy."
b) "Patient seemed overly suspicious and guarded."
 c) "Patient reported feeling as though others were plotting against them."
d) "Patient acted strangely and seemed disconnected from reality."

Rationale: Option a describes the patient's behavior without adding subjective interpretations
or judgments.

12. **Discharge Planning:**

Q: What is the nurse's priority when discussing discharge planning with a patient?
a) Providing resources for ongoing support.
b) Setting goals for the patient's post-discharge care.
c) Ensuring the patient understands their medication regimen.
d) Assessing the patient's readiness and concerns about discharge.

Rationale: Option d ensures the patient's readiness and addresses any concerns before
proceeding with discharge planning, promoting a successful transition.

13. **Diagnosing:**
Q: Which question by the nurse promotes non-therapeutic communication during the
assessment?
a) "Can you describe what you're feeling right now?"
b) "Do you think your mood swings are normal?"
c) "How do you cope with stress in your daily life?"
d) "Are you sure you're not just seeking attention?"

Rationale: Option d is judgmental and may make the patient defensive, hindering open
communication and accurate assessment.

14. **Implementing Activities:**

 Q: What statement by the nurse demonstrates effective verbal communication when
introducing a coping skill to a patient?
a) "You should practice this coping skill whenever you feel stressed."
b) "Let's discuss different coping strategies that might work for you."
c) "I'll show you how to do this coping skill, and then you can try it."
d) "Using this coping skill will help you manage your anxiety."

Rationale: Option c involves active participation and demonstration, allowing the patient to
learn the coping skill effectively.

15. **Documenting:**
Q: Which documentation entry reflects objective and factual information?
a) “Patient appeared paranoid and delusional.”
b) “Patient seemed excessively worried and agitated.”
c) “Patient reported hearing voices telling them to harm themselves.”
d) “Patient displayed odd behavior and seemed disconnected.”

Rationale: Option c provides specific information about the patient’s reported auditory
hallucinations without subjective interpretations.

16. **Discharge Planning:**

Q: What action should the nurse prioritize when initiating discharge planning with a patient?
a) Providing information about outpatient therapy options.
b) Developing a comprehensive aftercare plan with the patient.
c) Educating the patient about the importance of follow-up appointments.
d) Assessing the patient’s support system and home environment.
 Rationale: Option d is essential to ensure the patient’s safety and support network post-
discharge, laying the foundation for effective discharge planning.

17. **Diagnosing:**
Q: Which statement by the nurse reflects non-therapeutic communication during the
assessment?
a) “Can you describe how you’ve been feeling lately?”
b) “Do you think your behavior is appropriate for your age?”
c) “What strategies have you used to cope with stress in the past?”
d) “Are you sure you’re not exaggerating your symptoms?”

Rationale: Option d is confrontational and may discourage the patient from expressing their
concerns openly, hindering accurate assessment.

18. **Implementing Activities:**

Q: What approach should the nurse take when teaching a patient relaxation techniques?
a) “You need to do this relaxation exercise every day.”
b) “Let’s explore different relaxation techniques together and find what works best for you.”
c) “I’ll demonstrate the relaxation technique, and then you can try it.”
d) “Relaxation exercises are helpful for reducing stress.”

Rationale: Option b encourages collaboration and individualizes the approach to meet the
patient’s needs, fostering a therapeutic relationship.

19. **Documenting:**
Q: Which documentation entry is objective and avoids subjective interpretations?
a) “Patient exhibited paranoid behavior during group therapy.”
b) “Patient seemed overly suspicious and guarded.”
 c) “Patient reported feeling as though others were plotting against them.”
d) “Patient acted strangely and seemed disconnected from reality.”

Rationale: Option a describes the patient’s behavior without adding subjective interpretations
or judgments.

20. **Discharge Planning:**

Q: What is the nurse’s priority when discussing discharge planning with a patient?
a) Providing resources for ongoing support.
b) Setting goals for the patient’s post-discharge care.
c) Ensuring the patient understands their medication regimen.
d) Assessing the patient’s readiness and concerns about discharge.

Rationale: Option d ensures the patient’s readiness and addresses any concerns before
proceeding with discharge planning, promoting a successful transition.

21. **Diagnosing:**
Q: Which question by the nurse promotes therapeutic communication during the assessment?
a) “Why do you think you’re feeling this way?”
b) “Are you sure you’re not overreacting to the situation?”
c) “Can you tell me more about what triggers your anxiety?”
d) “Do you often feel like this, or is it just today?”

Rationale: Option c encourages the patient to express their thoughts and feelings openly,
facilitating a deeper understanding of their experiences.

22. **Implementing Activities:**

 Q: What statement by the nurse demonstrates effective verbal communication when teaching a
patient assertiveness skills?
a) “You should always assert yourself in every situation.”
b) “Let’s discuss different ways you can assert yourself when needed.”
c) “I’ll demonstrate assertive communication, and then you can try it.”
d) “Being assertive will solve all your problems.”

Rationale: Option b involves collaboration and empowers the patient to explore assertive
communication techniques that suit their individual needs.

23. **Documenting:**
Q: Which documentation entry provides objective information about the patient’s behavior?
a) “Patient appeared to be in a good mood during the session.”
b) “Patient seemed happier than usual today.”
c) “Patient reported feeling more positive about their progress.”
d) “Patient smiled and engaged in conversation with peers.”

Rationale: Option d objectively describes the patient’s behavior without adding subjective
interpretations or assumptions.

24. **Discharge Planning:**

Q: What is the nurse’s priority when discussing discharge planning with a patient?
a) Providing information about support groups in the community.
b) Setting realistic goals for the patient’s post-discharge adjustment.
c) Ensuring the patient has a follow-up appointment scheduled.
d) Assessing the patient’s social support network and coping skills.
 Rationale: Option d ensures the patient has adequate support and coping mechanisms in place
to facilitate a successful transition post-discharge.

25. **Diagnosing:**
Q: Which question by the nurse fosters therapeutic communication during the assessment?
a) “Do you often feel this way, or is it just today?”
b) “Why can’t you control your emotions?”
c) “Are you sure you’re not imagining things?”
d) “Can you describe how you’re feeling right now?”

Rationale: Option d encourages the patient to express their feelings and experiences openly,
facilitating a deeper understanding of their emotional state.

26. **Implementing Activities:**

Q: What approach should the nurse take when teaching a patient problem-solving skills?
a) “You should always follow this specific problem-solving method.”
b) “Let’s explore different problem-solving strategies together.”
c) “I’ll solve the problem for you, and then you can practice.”
d) “Problem-solving skills are essential for overcoming challenges.”

Rationale: Option b encourages collaboration and empowers the patient to explore problem-
solving techniques that align with their preferences and abilities.

27. **Documenting:**
Q: Which documentation entry provides objective information about the patient’s behavior?
a) “Patient appeared to be in a better mood today.”
b) “Patient seemed more relaxed than usual.”
c) “Patient reported feeling less anxious.”
 d) “Patient smiled and participated actively in group therapy.”

Rationale: Option d objectively describes the patient’s behavior without adding subjective
interpretations or assumptions.

28. **Discharge Planning:**

Q: What is the nurse’s priority when discussing discharge planning with a patient?
a) Providing information about medication management after discharge.
b) Setting short-term and long-term goals for the patient’s recovery.
c) Ensuring the patient has access to transportation for follow-up appointments.
d) Assessing the patient’s understanding of their diagnosis and treatment plan.

Rationale: Option d ensures the patient is well-informed about their condition and treatment,
promoting their ability to manage their care effectively post-discharge.

29. **Diagnosing:**
Q: Which question by the nurse promotes therapeutic communication during the assessment?
a) “Are you sure you’re not exaggerating your symptoms?”
b) “Can you describe how you’re feeling right now?”
c) “Why do you think you’re having these thoughts?”
d) “Do you think your family is to blame for your current state?”

Rationale: Option b encourages the patient to express their feelings in the present moment,
facilitating a deeper exploration of their emotional state without imposing judgment or
assumptions.

30. **Implementing Activities:**

 Q: What approach should the nurse take when teaching a patient coping skills for managing
anger?
a) “You should avoid situations that make you angry.”
b) “Let’s explore different anger management techniques together.”
c) “I’ll demonstrate how to suppress your anger, and then you can try it.”
d) “Anger management techniques will solve all your problems.”

Rationale: Option b promotes collaboration and empowers the patient to explore various anger
management techniques that align with their individual needs and preferences.