Question

which observations would suggest a therapeutic relationship being established between the nurse and patient?

hearing a patient ask for the time, and the nurses response is, \you just asked me 5 minutes ago.\

overhearing the nurse commenting on a patient who is pacing, asking them if they are tired yet, and suggesting that she sit down and watch tv.

the nurse approaches a patient who has exhibited a change in behavior and asks, \i noticed that youve been sitting by yourself more today. is there anything going on that you would like to talk about?\

a patient reporting that they did not sleep well the night before, and the nurse responds, \perhaps you should take your nighttime prn medication tonight so you dont experience the same problem.\

Explanation:

Analyze the communication techniques in each option

• Option 1: The nurse's response ("You just asked me 5 minutes ago") is dismissive and non-therapeutic, which can make the patient feel like a burden.
• Option 2: Suggesting the pacing patient sit down and watch TV is directive and dismisses the underlying anxiety or energy causing the pacing, rather than exploring it.
• Option 3: The nurse observes a behavioral change (sitting alone) and uses an open-ended, supportive inquiry ("I noticed that you've been sitting by yourself more today. Is there anything going on that you would like to talk about?"). This demonstrates active observation, empathy, and invites the patient to share, fostering a therapeutic relationship.
• Option 4: Offering immediate advice about taking PRN medication without exploring why the patient did not sleep well is non-therapeutic and avoids deeper assessment.

Identify the therapeutic observation

The third option demonstrates therapeutic communication by showing active observation of a behavioral change and offering a supportive, open-ended invitation to discuss it.

Answer:

• (A) Hearing a patient ask for the time, and the nurse's response is, "You just asked me 5 minutes ago."
• (B) Overhearing the nurse commenting on a patient who is pacing, asking them if they are tired yet, and suggesting that she sit down and watch TV.
• (C) The nurse approaches a patient who has exhibited a change in behavior and asks, "I noticed that you've been sitting by yourself more today. Is there anything going on that you would like to talk about?" (Correct answer)
• (D) A patient reporting that they did not sleep well the night before, and the nurse responds, "Perhaps you should take your nighttime PRN medication tonight so you don't experience the same problem."