1. Which therapeutic communication technique is being used in this nurse-client interaction?

Client: "When I am anxious, the only thing that calms me down is alcohol."

Nurse: "Other than drinking, what alternatives have you explored to decrease anxiety?"

A. Reflecting

B. Making observations

C. Formulating a plan of action

The nurse is using the therapeutic communication technique of formulating a 

plan of action to help the client explore alternatives to drinking alcohol. The use of this 

technique, rather than direct confrontation regarding the client's poor coping choice, 

may serve to prevent anger or anxiety from escalating.

D. Giving recognition

2. A nurse states to a client, "Things will look better tomorrow after a good night's sleep." This 

is an example of which communication technique?

A. The therapeutic technique of "giving advice"

B. The therapeutic technique of "defending"

C. The nontherapeutic technique of "presenting reality"

D. The nontherapeutic technique of "giving false reassurance"

The nurse's statement, "Things will look better tomorrow after a good night's sleep." is 

an example of the nontherapeutic technique of giving false reassurance. Giving false 

reassurance indicates to the client that there is no cause for anxiety, thereby devaluing the 

client's feelings.

3. A nurse maintains an uncrossed arm and leg posture. This nonverbal behavior is reflective of 

which letter of the SOLER acronym for active listening?

A. S

B. O

The nurse should identify that maintaining an uncrossed arm and leg posture is 

nonverbal behavior that reflects the "O" in the active-listening acronym SOLER. The acronym 

SOLER includes sitting squarely facing the client (S), open posture when interacting with the 

client (O), leaning forward toward the client (L), establishing eye contact (E), and relaxing (R).

C. L

D. E

E. R

4. What is the pulse pressure of a client whose blood pressure is 132/82 mm Hg?

A. 100

B. 1.6 

C. 214 

D. 50

Pulse pressure= SBP-DBP.