Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

How should a psychiatric technician respond to a patient who expresses feelings of worthlessness?

1. Ignore the feelings and change the subject

2. Dismiss the feelings as unimportant

3. Validate the feelings and discuss them

4. Encourage immediate action to change feelings

The correct answer is: Validate the feelings and discuss them

Validating the feelings of worthlessness and discussing them is crucial in providing supportive care to patients experiencing such emotions. This response acknowledges the patient’s feelings, which are often deeply rooted and can be very distressing. By validating their feelings, the psychiatric technician demonstrates empathy and understanding, creating a safe space for the patient to express themselves. Discussing the feelings further can help in exploring the underlying causes and contributing factors, which is essential for effective intervention and support. This approach can lead to greater engagement from the patient, as they may feel heard and understood, rather than dismissed. It opens up avenues for further therapeutic dialogue, allowing the technician to assist the patient in coping strategies and addressing negative thought patterns associated with feelings of worthlessness. Acknowledging and validating emotions can also help to decrease feelings of isolation, reinforcing that the patient is not alone in their experiences, which is a fundamental aspect of building trust in a therapeutic relationship.