A suicidal client tells a nurse that he has a plan to kill himself.

The nurse asks why he has not already put the plan into action.

This is an example of which nontherapeutic communication technique?

Choice A rationale
Failure to explore a client’s point of view is a nontherapeutic communication technique, but it’s not the most fitting description for the scenario. The nurse’s yawning and frequent glancing at the watch doesn’t necessarily indicate a lack of exploration of the clients’ perspectives.
Choice B rationale
Eliciting vague descriptions can be a nontherapeutic communication technique, but it doesn’t seem to apply in this context. The nurse’s actions don’t suggest that they are eliciting vague descriptions from the clients.
Choice C rationale
Failure to listen is the most appropriate answer. The nurse’s yawning and frequent checking of the watch during therapy time could indicate a lack of attention or interest in what the clients are saying, which can be perceived as failing to listen.
Choice D rationale
Failure to probe can be a nontherapeutic communication technique, but it doesn’t seem to apply in this context. The nurse’s actions don’t suggest that they are failing to probe or ask further questions.

Choice A rationale
Flight of ideas is a symptom often seen in conditions like bipolar disorder, particularly during manic episodes. It involves a rapid shift in thoughts and ideas, often with loose or no associations between them. The statement “her car is gray, and her dog died last week” could be an example of this, as the two ideas are unrelated.
Choice B rationale
Verbigeration refers to the constant repetition of certain words or phrases. This is not demonstrated in the client’s statement.
Choice C rationale
Loose associations involve a disorganized thinking pattern where the person jumps from one topic to another that is seemingly unrelated. While the client’s statement might seem to have loose associations, it is more indicative of flight of ideas.
Choice D rationale
Circumstantiality involves excessive, unnecessary detail that delays getting to the point. The client’s statement is not an example of this, as it is brief and does not contain unnecessary details.