Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What term describes the use of deceit to achieve an objective that cannot be pursued openly?

1. Exploitation

2. Manipulation

3. Coercion

4. Intimidation

The correct answer is: Manipulation

Manipulation is characterized by the use of deceit or indirect tactics to influence others or to achieve a desired goal while avoiding open confrontation. This approach often involves cunning or stealthy behavior, which allows one to navigate situations by steering the actions or thoughts of others without their awareness. In health care or nursing, manipulation could manifest in attempting to sway a patient's opinion on treatment or care without presenting all the facts transparently. In contrast, exploitation generally refers to taking unfair advantage of a situation or individual, often focusing on the unethical use of power or resources without necessarily involving deceit. Coercion implies forcing someone to act in a certain way through threats or pressure, while intimidation involves inducing fear to influence behavior. Both coercion and intimidation are more direct and aggressive strategies compared to manipulation, which relies more on subtlety and deception.