Deck · NCLEX-PN
Psychosocial Integrity
Therapeutic communication, coping, mental health, crisis, substance use, abuse and neglect (12% of the exam).
144 cards · audited · SM-2 spaced repetition
Included with the full NCLEX-PN program — 8 decks, 1,189 cards.
Sample cards
A client says, "I'm a burden to everyone." Which response is therapeutic?
"You feel like you're a burden?" — reflecting the client's statement encourages them to explore the feeling. Avoid false reassurance like "Don't say that, your family loves you," which dismisses the emotion.
What is reflection in therapeutic communication?
Directing the client's feelings or questions back to them (e.g., Client: "Should I tell my family?" Nurse: "What do you think about telling them?"). It keeps the focus on the client's own feelings and decision-making.
What is an open-ended question, and why is it therapeutic?
A question that cannot be answered with yes/no, such as "How are you feeling about the surgery?" It invites the client to elaborate and share what matters to them.
Why are "why" questions considered communication blockers?
They put clients on the defensive by demanding justification for feelings or behavior. Instead of "Why are you upset?", say "You seem upset — tell me more about what's happening."
A nurse tells an anxious preoperative client, "Don't worry, everything will be fine." Why is this nontherapeutic?
It is false reassurance — the nurse cannot guarantee the outcome, and the statement dismisses the client's concern, closing off further discussion of fears.
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