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NCLEX · Therapeutic Communication

A nurse uses the therapeutic communication technique of 'reflection.' Which response is an example of reflection?

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Correct answer

'You're feeling frightened about the surgery tomorrow.' — reflection restates the client's feelings or content to show understanding and encourage further exploration

  1. A 'You're feeling frightened about the surgery tomorrow.' — reflection restates the client's feelings or content to show understanding and encourage further exploration
  2. B 'Everything will be fine, don't worry.'
  3. C 'You should talk to your doctor about that.'
  4. D 'Why do you feel that way?'

Why this is the answer

REFLECTION — A THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE: Reflection restates or mirrors the client's expressed feelings or content, demonstrating active listening and encouraging the client to continue.

Example: Client: 'I'm so scared about the surgery.' Nurse (reflection): 'You're feeling frightened about the surgery tomorrow.' This shows the nurse heard and understood, validates the feeling, and invites further expression.

Other therapeutic techniques: Open-ended questions ('Tell me more about...'); clarification ('I'm not sure I understand, can you explain?'); silence (allows the client time); focusing; summarizing; offering self ('I'll sit with you'); NON-THERAPEUTIC responses to avoid: 'Why' questions (can feel accusatory/demanding); false reassurance ('everything will be fine'); giving advice ('you should...'); changing the subject; minimizing feelings; PURPOSE of therapeutic communication: Build trust, encourage expression, demonstrate empathy, facilitate problem-solving; nursing role: use therapeutic techniques to support the client's emotional expression and coping.

Source: NCLEX-RN Psychosocial — Therapeutic Communication, Reflection

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About this topic: Therapeutic Communication

Therapeutic communication questions ask for the nurse's best response — reflecting, clarifying, open-ended, silence — and test the non-therapeutic responses to avoid. This is one of 14 RN: Psychosocial Integrity questions on therapeutic communication, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our NCLEX exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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