Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

What appropriate statement can a psychiatric technician make to a female patient feeling depressed?

1. "You should try to smile more often."

2. "You're wearing new earrings."

3. "Have you considered changing your hairstyle?"

4. "You need to get more sunlight."

The correct answer is: "You're wearing new earrings."

The choice to say, "You're wearing new earrings," reflects an appropriate use of therapeutic communication techniques in psychiatric care. This statement serves multiple purposes: it acknowledges the patient's appearance, showcases the psychiatric technician's attentiveness, and can help to build rapport. By making an observation about the patient's earrings, the technician offers a neutral topic that can facilitate conversation without directly addressing the patient's feelings of depression. This approach also allows the patient an opportunity to respond in a non-threatening manner, which can encourage them to express their feelings or thoughts if they choose to. Engaging in such supportive dialogue can help the patient feel seen and validated, which is essential in therapeutic settings. It also prevents the conversation from becoming overly clinical or judgmental, fostering a more relaxed atmosphere for the patient.