Motivational Interviewing — Knowledge Check

NCLEX-style formative assessment covering MI theory, OARS skills, change talk, sustain talk, discord, stages of change, ethics, and documentation.

12 questions Pass: 75% 30 min

Which of the following best describes the foundational spirit of Motivational Interviewing (MI)?

A Confronting the patient with the consequences of unhealthy behavior B Providing expert advice and a clear action plan for the patient to follow C Collaborating with the patient to evoke their own motivation for change D Educating the patient about the health risks associated with their current behavior

A nurse asks a patient, 'What concerns you most about your current diet?' This is an example of which OARS skill?

A Affirmation B Reflective listening C Open question D Summary

A patient says, 'I've tried to quit smoking before, but it's just too hard.' The nurse responds, 'Quitting is really challenging, and you've already shown real courage by trying.' This response is an example of:

A A closed question B A double-sided reflection C An affirmation D A summary

According to the DARN-CAT framework, which of the following patient statements represents 'Commitment' (mobilizing change talk)?

A 'I want to lose weight so I can play with my kids.' B 'I think I could probably exercise more if I tried.' C 'I will start walking every day, starting tomorrow.' D 'I know I need to change my diet.'

A nurse is counseling a patient about alcohol use. The patient says, 'Look, I'm here for my back pain — I don't need a lecture about my drinking.' Which MI-consistent response is most appropriate?

A Explain the relationship between alcohol use and back pain in detail B Acknowledge the patient's perspective and shift the focus back to their agenda C Document the patient as 'resistant' and end the behavior change conversation D Tell the patient that addressing alcohol use is required for treatment

A patient with hypertension states: 'I know I should cut back on salt, but honestly I'm not even thinking about changing my diet right now.' According to the Transtheoretical Model, which stage of change is this patient in?

A Contemplation B Preparation C Pre-contemplation D Action

Which of the following nursing documentation phrases is MOST consistent with MI principles?

A 'Patient is non-compliant with dietary recommendations.' B 'Patient is resistant to medication changes.' C 'Patient stated, "I'm not ready to change my diet yet"; autonomy affirmed; MI engagement continued.' D 'Patient refuses to cooperate with treatment plan.'

The 'righting reflex' in MI refers to:

A The patient's tendency to become defensive when confronted about health behaviors B The nurse's natural impulse to correct problems by telling patients what to do C A technique for redirecting patient sustain talk toward change talk D The process of shifting from Evoking to Planning in an MI encounter

Which ethical principle is MOST central to the practice of Motivational Interviewing?

A Beneficence — acting in the patient's best clinical interest B Non-maleficence — avoiding harm through inaction C Autonomy — supporting the patient's right to make their own decisions D Justice — ensuring equitable access to behavior change resources

A nurse completes an MI encounter with a patient who is in the Contemplation stage regarding physical activity. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate plan to document?

A Referred patient to gym membership program and scheduled 3-month follow-up B Explored patient's ambivalence regarding physical activity; patient identified 'wanting to feel better' as motivation; importance ruler score 7/10, confidence 4/10; patient agreed to think about one small step before next visit C Patient refused all recommendations for increasing physical activity; will re-address at next visit D Educated patient on the health benefits of regular exercise and provided brochure

This is true: A nurse should argue persuasively for behavior change when a patient's health is at serious risk.

T True F False

Describe one key difference between a simple reflection and a complex reflection in Motivational Interviewing.

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