👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team🕐 Updated 2026-07-11🏷️ Psychosocial Integrity🔖 Free to read, print, and share
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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Therapeutic Communication Techniques on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!
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Use
Key facts
Open-ended Q's, silence, listen
Reflect, restate, clarify
Acknowledge feelings, empathy
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Avoid
Key facts
No 'why' questions = defensive
Don't give false reassurance
No advice, judging, changing topic
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Do
Nursing actions
Focus on patient, not nurse
Address feelings before facts
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Test
Key facts
Pick answer that explores feeling
Avoid closed yes/no answers
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Quick Tip
Open-ended questions and statements ('Tell me more about that') invite the client to elaborate and keep the focus on them.