The Principle of “Tell me more” usually occurs in Test practice no. 5 in the Philippine Nurses’ Licensure Exam that pertains to psychiatric nursing, but can also appear in other test practices. The focus should be on the client’s feeling, concerns, anxieties and fears. The nurse asks the client to express his feeling more. This is summarized by a response that encourages the client to verbalize his feelings.
Sample Question:
A depressed client says to a nurse “My family would not miss me. They’re better off if I’m gone.” The nurse would best respond by saying:
- Everybody feels the same when they are depressed.
- You will feel better once you take your medication.
- Have you and your family talked about this?
- You seem very upset. Are you thinking about hurting yourself?
You can observe that option no. 4 asks the client to expound more on his feelings. This also acknowledges that the client’s feelings. options no. 1, 2, and 3 does not directly acknowledge the client’s feelings. Also these are close-ended sentences which do not allow the client to verbalize his feelings.
Sample Question:
A depressed client says to a nurse “My family would not miss me. They’re better off if I’m gone.” The nurse would best respond by saying:
Everybody feels the same when they are depressed.You will feel better once you take your medication.Have you and your family talked about this?- You seem very upset. Are you thinking about hurting yourself?
The correct answer is option no. 4
Remember to only use this test taking strategy if you DO NOT KNOW the correct answer and is UNSURE of the choices. If you know the answer and it contradicts any test taking strategy, please follow what you know.
