Which therapeutic technique best communicates to a patient that the nurse is interested in listening?

Choice A reason: Peplau’s interpersonal relations theory emphasizes the nurse-patient relationship as a therapeutic tool. Reflecting on interactions helps nurses understand dynamics, build trust, and adjust approaches, fostering therapeutic growth, making this the correct choice aligned with her theory.

Choice B reason: Administering medications is a clinical task, not a core component of Peplau’s theory, which focuses on interpersonal dynamics. While important, it does not directly enhance the therapeutic relationship, making this choice incorrect for the theory’s focus.

Choice C reason: Documenting behaviors is standard practice but not central to Peplau’s theory, which prioritizes relational dynamics over administrative tasks. Documentation supports care but does not foster interpersonal growth, making this choice incorrect for the theory.

Choice D reason: Teaching coping skills is therapeutic but secondary to Peplau’s focus on the nurse-patient relationship itself. Reflection on interactions directly supports the theory’s emphasis on understanding relational dynamics, making this choice less relevant than self-reflection.

Choice A reason: Using coercive language, like stating attendance is mandatory for progress, undermines patient autonomy and may increase resistance, especially in a manic phase where defiance is common. This non-therapeutic approach hinders trust, making it incorrect for promoting engagement.

Choice B reason: Reporting refusal to the doctor without exploring the patient’s reasons dismisses their feelings and escalates authority rather than fostering collaboration. Therapeutic engagement requires understanding the patient’s perspective, making this response non-therapeutic and incorrect.

Choice C reason: Asking about the patient’s hesitation uses open-ended questioning, a therapeutic communication technique that encourages expression of feelings and builds trust. This aligns with psychiatric nursing principles to engage patients respectfully, especially during mania, making this the correct choice.

Choice D reason: Warning about missing treatment is mildly coercive and does not explore the patient’s reasons for refusal. It fails to address underlying concerns, such as anxiety or grandiosity, which are critical in mania, making this less therapeutic than exploring hesitancy.