Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

In the working phase of the therapeutic relationship, what term refers to the nurse's emotional reactions based on personal unconscious needs?

1. Transference

2. Countertransference

3. Empathy

4. Counteraction

The correct answer is: Countertransference

In the working phase of the therapeutic relationship, the term that refers to the nurse's emotional reactions based on personal unconscious needs is countertransference. This concept arises when a healthcare professional begins to project their own feelings, experiences, or unconscious desires onto the patient. These emotional responses can be influenced by past experiences or unresolved issues, leading the nurse to respond in ways that may be more reflective of their own history than of the patient's needs. Countertransference can significantly affect the therapeutic relationship, as it may distort the nurse's perceptions or judgments about the patient’s situation. Recognizing and managing countertransference is crucial because it helps maintain professional boundaries and ensures that the nurse's emotions do not interfere with the patient's treatment. This awareness allows the nurse to provide effective care by focusing on the patient's needs rather than being influenced by their own emotional responses. Transference, on the other hand, refers to the patient's emotional reactions toward the nurse based on their own past experiences. Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of the patient, which is vital for building rapport but does not encompass the emotional responses of the nurse themselves. Counteraction is not a recognized term within the context of therapeutic relationships. Therefore, countertransference is the appropriate concept that describes the nurse's