Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What does the nurse demonstrate when she reflects a client's feelings back to them?

1. Understanding

2. Frustration

3. Judgment

4. Disinterest

The correct answer is: Understanding

When a nurse reflects a client's feelings back to them, it showcases understanding. This practice, often known as reflective listening, involves the nurse paraphrasing or echoing what the client has expressed in order to confirm that they have accurately interpreted the client's emotions and concerns. This technique helps to validate the client’s feelings, encouraging trust and open communication in the therapeutic relationship. By acknowledging the client's emotions, the nurse demonstrates empathy and compassion, which are crucial for effective nursing practice. This approach allows the client to feel heard and understood, fostering a supportive environment conducive to healing and personal insight. Reflecting feelings also aids in exploring the client's experiences more deeply, facilitating a better understanding of their needs and responses. In contrast, the other options—frustration, judgment, and disinterest—do not align with the supportive and validating nature of reflective listening. Each of those feelings would create barriers in the nurse-client relationship, potentially leaving the client feeling dismissed or misunderstood.