A healthcare professional is caring for a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the healthcare professional consider for referral to an assertive community treatment (ACT) group?
- A. A client in an acute care mental health facility who has fallen several times while running down the hallway
- B. A client who lives at home and keeps forgetting to come in for a scheduled monthly antipsychotic injection for schizophrenia
- C. A client in a day treatment program who reports increasing anxiety during group therapy
- D. A client in a weekly grief support group who reports still missing a deceased partner who has been dead for 3 months
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client who lives at home and repeatedly forgets to come in for a scheduled monthly antipsychotic injection for schizophrenia should be considered for referral to an assertive community treatment (ACT) group. ACT teams provide intensive community-based treatment and support for individuals with severe mental illness who may have difficulty adhering to treatment on their own. Choices A, C, and D do not describe individuals with severe mental illness who have difficulty adhering to treatment or need intensive community-based support, which are the typical candidates for referral to an ACT group.
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When communicating with a client admitted for treatment of a substance use disorder, which of the following communication techniques should be identified as a barrier to therapeutic communication?
- A. Offering advice
- B. Reflecting
- C. Listening attentively
- D. Giving information
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Offering advice is a barrier to therapeutic communication because it can hinder the client's ability to explore their own solutions and feelings. It may come across as judgmental or dismissive of the client's experience, leading to a breakdown in trust and hindering the therapeutic relationship. Reflecting (choice B) is a helpful technique that involves paraphrasing or restating the client's words to show understanding. Listening attentively (choice C) is crucial for building rapport and demonstrating empathy. Giving information (choice D) is also important but should be done in a way that supports the client's understanding and autonomy, rather than directing their choices.
What principle about patient communication should guide a nurse's fear of 'saying the wrong thing' to a patient?
- A. Patients tend to appreciate a well-meaning person who conveys genuine acceptance, respect, and concern for their situation.
- B. Patients are more interested in talking to you than listening to what you have to say, so they are not likely to be offended.
- C. Considering the patient's history, there is little chance that the comment will do any actual harm.
- D. Most people with a mental illness have, by necessity, developed a high tolerance for forgiveness.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Effective patient communication is guided by the principle that patients value genuine acceptance, respect, and concern from their caregivers. This approach helps to build trust and fosters effective communication, enhancing the nurse-patient relationship. Choice B is incorrect because patients value both talking and listening in effective communication. Choice C is incorrect because a nurse should always consider the impact of their words on the patient, regardless of the patient's history. Choice D is incorrect as it generalizes about people with mental illness and forgiveness, which is not directly relevant to patient communication.
In an acute mental health facility, a nurse is communicating with a client. The client states, "I can't sleep. I stay up all night." The nurse responds, "You are having difficulty sleeping?" Which of the following therapeutic communication techniques is the nurse demonstrating?
- A. Offering general leads
- B. Summarizing
- C. Focusing
- D. Restating
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse is using the restating technique, where the nurse paraphrases or repeats the main idea expressed by the client to show understanding and encourage further communication. Restating helps clarify the client's message and fosters a therapeutic relationship. Choice A, offering general leads, involves encouraging the client to continue talking with nonverbal or minimal verbal prompts. Summarizing (Choice B) involves condensing and organizing the client's message. Focusing (Choice C) involves centering the conversation on a key element or topic.
In an emergency mental health facility, a nurse is caring for a group of clients. The nurse should identify that which of the following clients requires a temporary emergency admission?
- A. A client with schizophrenia who has delusions of grandeur
- B. A client with manifestations of depression who attempted suicide a year ago
- C. A client with borderline personality disorder who assaulted a homeless man with a metal rod
- D. A client with bipolar disorder who paces quickly around the room while talking to themselves
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. A client with borderline personality disorder who has committed an assault poses a risk to others and themselves, necessitating temporary emergency admission for safety and further assessment. Choices A, B, and D do not indicate an immediate risk to self or others that would require temporary emergency admission.
Child protective services have removed 10-year-old Christopher from his parents' home due to neglect. Christopher reveals to the nurse that he considers the woman next door his 'nice' mom, that he loves school, and gets above-average grades. The strongest explanation for this response is:
- A. Temperament
- B. Genetic factors
- C. Resilience
- D. Paradoxical effects of neglect
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Resilience is the ability to adapt positively in the face of adversity. Christopher's positive outlook and academic success despite experiencing neglect demonstrate his resilience in coping with challenging circumstances. Choice A, Temperament, refers to inherent traits and is not the most fitting explanation for Christopher's response. Genetic factors (Choice B) play a role in development but do not directly explain Christopher's ability to cope. The paradoxical effects of neglect (Choice D) typically refer to unexpected positive outcomes, which do not fully capture Christopher's situation.