which patient behavior is consistent with therapeutic communication

ATI LPN

ATI Mental Health Practice B

1. Which patient behavior is consistent with therapeutic communication?

A. Offering your opinion when asked to provide support.
B. Summarizing the essence of the patient’s comments in your own words.
C. Avoiding interrupting periods of silence to allow the patient space to think.
D. Providing positive reinforcement when the patient expresses themselves.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Summarizing the essence of the patient’s comments in your own words is a key component of therapeutic communication. This behavior demonstrates active listening, ensures understanding of the patient's message, and encourages further discussion. By summarizing, you show the patient that you are engaged and interested, which helps them feel heard and valued. Offering your opinion (choice A) may bias the patient's thoughts and feelings, interrupting periods of silence (choice C) may prevent the patient from processing their thoughts, and providing positive reinforcement (choice D) may not always be appropriate or necessary in therapeutic communication.

2. During an intake assessment, a healthcare professional is evaluating a patient diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which question would be most appropriate?

A. Do you often experience periods of sadness?
B. Do you have difficulty controlling your worrying?
C. Do you find yourself repeating behaviors or thoughts?
D. Do you experience sudden, unexpected panic attacks?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate question when assessing a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is to inquire about repeating behaviors or thoughts. This is a hallmark feature of OCD, where individuals often engage in repetitive actions or mental rituals to alleviate anxiety or distress. This behavior distinguishes OCD from other mental health conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder (choice B), major depressive disorder (choice A), and panic disorder (choice D). Therefore, recognizing repetitive behaviors or thoughts helps in identifying the presence of OCD and tailoring appropriate interventions for the patient.

3. Which assessment question will provide information regarding the effects of a woman’s circadian rhythms on her quality of life?

A. How much sleep do you usually get each night?
B. Does your heart ever seem to skip a beat?
C. When was the last time you had a fever?
D. Do you have problems urinating?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'How much sleep do you usually get each night?' Asking about sleep patterns is essential to understand the impact of circadian rhythms on an individual's quality of life. Adequate sleep is closely linked to circadian rhythms, and disturbances in sleep patterns can significantly affect a person's well-being and daily functioning. Choices B, C, and D are not directly related to circadian rhythms and would not provide information specifically about how circadian rhythms affect quality of life.

4. A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed buspirone. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

A. I can take this medication on an as-needed basis.
B. It may take a few weeks to feel the full effect of this medication.
C. This medication has a lower risk of dependency compared to benzodiazepines.
D. I should take this medication consistently every day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Buspirone is not meant to be taken on an as-needed basis. It should be taken consistently every day to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Choice B is correct as it accurately reflects that buspirone may take a few weeks to reach its full effect. Choice C is also correct as buspirone indeed has a lower risk of dependency compared to benzodiazepines. Choice D is correct because taking buspirone consistently every day is the appropriate way to use this medication.

5. Which symptom is most indicative of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

A. Flashbacks of traumatic events
B. Persistent, intrusive thoughts
C. Frequent mood swings
D. Auditory hallucinations

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Persistent, intrusive thoughts are a hallmark symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Individuals with OCD experience persistent and unwanted thoughts or obsessions that are intrusive and cause significant distress. These thoughts often lead to repetitive behaviors or compulsions to try to alleviate the anxiety or distress caused by the obsessions. Flashbacks of traumatic events (Choice A), frequent mood swings (Choice C), and auditory hallucinations (Choice D) are not typical symptoms of OCD. Flashbacks are more commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, mood swings can be seen in mood disorders, and auditory hallucinations are more characteristic of psychotic disorders.