A client has made the decision to leave her alcoholic husband. She is feeling very depressed. Which nontherapeutic statement by the nurse conveys sympathy?
- A. You are feeling very depressed. I felt the same way when I decided to leave my husband.
- B. I can understand you are feeling depressed. It was a difficult decision. Ill sit with you.
- C. You seem depressed. It was a difficult decision to make. Would you like to talk about it?
- D. I know this is a difficult time for you. Would you like a prn medication for anxiety?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it shows empathy by sharing a personal experience to connect with the client emotionally. It validates the client's feelings and normalizes them. Choice B doesn't convey personal experience, and choice C lacks the personal touch. Choice D offers medication instead of emotional support, which is not therapeutic in this situation.
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At what point should the nurse determine that a client is at risk for developing a mental disorder?
- A. When thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are not reflective of the DSM-5 criteria
- B. When maladaptive responses to stress are coupled with interference in daily functioning
- C. When the client communicates significant distress
- D. When the client uses defense mechanisms as ego protection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. When maladaptive responses to stress are coupled with interference in daily functioning, the nurse should determine that a client is at risk for developing a mental disorder. This is because maladaptive responses to stress, such as excessive worry or avoidance behaviors, can be early signs of mental health issues. When these responses start impacting daily functioning, such as affecting work or relationships, it indicates a higher level of risk for a mental disorder. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not specifically address the combination of maladaptive responses to stress and interference in daily functioning, which are key indicators of potential mental health issues.
Which therapeutic communication technique is being used in this nurseclient interaction? Client: When I get angry, I get into a fistfight with my wife or I take it out on the kids. Nurse: I notice that you are smiling as you talk about this physical violence.
- A. Encouraging comparison
- B. Exploring
- C. Formulating a plan of action
- D. Making observations
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Making observations. The nurse is objectively stating what they notice, which is the client smiling while discussing physical violence. This technique helps bring awareness to the client's behavior without judgment. Encouraging comparison (A) involves asking the client to compare similarities and differences, which is not present in this interaction. Exploring (B) involves delving deeper into the client's thoughts and feelings, which is not demonstrated here. Formulating a plan of action (C) involves working with the client to create a plan for addressing issues, which is not the focus of the nurse's statement.
A client is prescribed alprazolam (Xanax) for acute anxiety. What client history should cause a nurse to question this order?
- A. History of alcohol dependence
- B. History of personality disorder
- C. History of schizophrenia
- D. History of hypertension
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: History of alcohol dependence. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine and can be addictive, especially for individuals with a history of substance abuse like alcohol dependence. This client population is at higher risk for misuse, addiction, and overdose. It is important for the nurse to question this order to avoid potential harm. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly impact the safety or efficacy of alprazolam for acute anxiety.
A man diagnosed with alcohol dependence experiences his first relapse. During his AA meeting, another group member states, I relapsed three times, but now have been sober for 15 years. Which of Yaloms curative group factors does this illustrate?
- A. Imparting of information
- B. Instillation of hope
- C. Catharsis
- D. Universality
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Instillation of hope. This statement by the group member provides hope by showing that despite relapses, long-term sobriety is achievable. This aligns with Yalom's curative group factor of instillation of hope, where group members inspire and motivate each other through their own successes. The other choices are incorrect because:
A: Imparting of information focuses on sharing knowledge, not personal experiences.
C: Catharsis involves the release of emotions, not necessarily about hope for the future.
D: Universality is about realizing shared experiences, not specifically about hope for recovery.
What is the priority nursing action during the orientation (introductory) phase of the nurseclient relationship?
- A. Acknowledge the clients actions and generate alternative behaviors.
- B. Establish rapport and develop treatment goals.
- C. Attempt to find alternative placement.
- D. Explore how thoughts and feelings about this client may adversely impact care.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Establish rapport and develop treatment goals. During the introductory phase of the nurse-client relationship, establishing rapport is essential to build trust and a therapeutic alliance. Developing treatment goals collaboratively with the client sets the foundation for the care plan. This action promotes client engagement and empowerment. Acknowledging client actions and generating alternative behaviors (A) is more suited for later phases. Attempting to find alternative placement (C) is not appropriate in the introductory phase. Exploring how thoughts and feelings impact care (D) is important but not the priority during the orientation phase.