Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

When a client expresses fear about their safety, what therapeutic communication technique does the nurse demonstrate by acknowledging their feelings?

1. Restatement

2. Reflection

3. Interpretation

4. Summarization

The correct answer is: Interpretation

When a nurse acknowledges a client's feelings of fear regarding their safety, they are demonstrating the technique of reflection. This approach involves the nurse recognizing and validating the client’s emotions, which fosters a therapeutic environment and allows the client to feel heard and understood. By reflecting the client’s feelings back to them, the nurse assists the client in exploring their emotions and can help facilitate further discussion about their concerns. This technique is essential in building rapport and trust between the nurse and client, as it shows empathy and encourages open communication. It allows clients to process their feelings, making it easier for them to discuss their fears more thoroughly, seek solutions, or express additional thoughts about their situation. In contrast, restatement involves repeating what the client has said in slightly different words, while interpretation involves providing insight into the meaning of the client’s statement. Summarization involves consolidating the information shared during a conversation to ensure understanding, but it does not directly address there and then the emotions that the client is experiencing.