Therapeutic Response to an Upset Assistive Personnel

Psychosocial Needs · Question from the ATI PN Fundamentals 2023 Proctored Exam study set

Correct answer: "So, you are upset about all of the recent changes on the unit?"

Why this is the answer

Reflecting and restating the AP's feelings is a therapeutic communication technique that validates emotion and invites further discussion.

The bigger concept

Therapeutic communication is not only for clients — leadership items apply the same techniques to staff. Reflecting or restating ('So you are upset about the changes on the unit?') shows the person they were heard and invites them to elaborate. Nontherapeutic responses to avoid on the exam include giving advice, false reassurance, changing the subject, and asking 'why.'

Related Psychosocial Needs practice questions

• Explaining Advance Directives Accurately
• Teaching a Distracted Client: What to Say
• Identifying Psychosocial Stressors on Admission
• Reducing Environmental Stressors in the Hospital
• Communicating With a Client Who Has Hearing Loss

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