1.

During an interview, the nurse remains silent and nods the head periodically while the
patient is talking. The therapeutic communication technique the nurse is using would be:
A) Reflection
B) Validation
C) Summarization
D) Continuers

2.While interviewing a patient, the nurse asks the number of steps the patient takes before
leg pain occurs. Which therapeutic communication technique is the nurse using?
A) Graded response
B) Continuers
C) Reflection
D) Empowerment

3.The nurse is focusing an interview on a patient's respiratory status. Which question would
be the best to begin this interview?
A) Do you have a cough?
B) Do you have sputum production?
C) Describe your breathing.
D) Do you have pain when you breathe?

4.After a patient describes abdominal pain to the nurse, which questions can the nurse use
to help the patient provide more information about the pain? (Select all that apply.)
A) Where do you feel the pain?
B) Where does the pain travel?
C) What other symptoms do you have with the pain?
D) Do you have blood in your stool?
E) What makes the pain less or worse?

5.The nurse is beginning the introduction phase of the nursepatient interview. What will
the nurse do during this phase? (Select all that apply.)
A) Establish rapport.
B) Establish the agenda.
C) Invite the patient's story.
D) Respond to emotional cues.
E) Greet the patient.

6.During the working phase of an interview, the nurse wants to explore the patient's
perspective on an illness. Questions that the nurse will ask the patient will focus on what
areas? (Select all that apply.)
A) Feelings
B) Onset
C) Ideas
Page 1
D) Function
E) Location

7.The nurse is preparing to conduct an interview with a patient newly diagnosed with
cancer. What can the nurse do to ensure a private and comfortable environment for the
patient?
A) Conduct the interview in the visitors' lounge.
B) Escort the patient to a conference room.
C) Take notes during the interview.
D) Introduce self and establish rapport.

8.During an interview, the patient begins to talk about the frequency of being abused by a
spouse. What can the nurse do at this time to acknowledge the sensitivity of the
information the patient is providing?
A) Write down the information as the patient is speaking.
B) Key the information into the electronic medical record as the patient is speaking.
C) Avoid maintaining eye contact while the patient is discussing spouse abuse.
D) Stop documenting the information and maintain eye contact with the patient.

9.During the introduction phase of the interview, the patient begins to talk nonstop about
health problems, family issues, and fears related to illness. What can the nurse do to
control the interview process?
A) Glance at the clock at the wall.
B) Tap the pen on the paper while the patient talks.
C) Leave the interview and contact security.
D) Courteously interrupt the patient to clarify some information.

10.Prior to beginning an interview a patient tells the nurse that it's about time someone paid
attention to me. Which technique can the nurse use to diffuse this patient's anger?
A) Ask if the nurse did something to upset the patient.
B) Acknowledge the delay for the interview and try to make amends.
C) Focus on a mental status examination.
D) Respond with empathy.

Page 2
Answer Key

1.D
2.A
3.C
4.A, B, C, E
5.A, B, E
6.A, C, D
7.B
8.D
9.D
10.B

Page 3