A LPN/LVN is preparing to care for a dying client, and several family members are at the client's bedside. Select the therapeutic techniques that the nurse would use when communicating with the family. Select one that does not apply.
- A. Discourage reminiscing
- B. Make decisions for the family
- C. Encourage expression of feelings, concerns, and fears
- D. Explain everything that is happening to all family members
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging the expression of feelings, concerns, and fears is a therapeutic technique that helps the family cope with the situation and express their emotions. This approach fosters trust and emotional release. Making decisions for the family is not appropriate because it takes away their autonomy and control during a difficult time. Discouraging reminiscing may hinder the family's coping mechanisms by discouraging them from sharing memories and finding comfort in the past. Explaining everything that is happening to all family members promotes transparency and understanding, which can help reduce anxiety and fear.
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A male client is brought to the emergency department by a police officer, who reports the client was disturbing the peace by running naked in the street, striking out at others, and smashing car windows. Which behaviors should the client demonstrate to determine if he should be evaluated for involuntary commitment?
- A. Threats to kill his friend.
- B. Disruptive behaviors in a community setting.
- C. Hears voices telling him to kill himself.
- D. Reports he has not needed a bath in 4 months.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The client's dangerous and disruptive behaviors, along with auditory hallucinations of self-harm, suggest a need for involuntary commitment for his safety and that of others. Involuntary commitment may be warranted based on the client's poor hygiene and self-neglect, as it indicates an inability to care for himself, which can pose a risk to his well-being.
A client with bipolar disorder, manic phase, is admitted to the psychiatric unit. Which meal is most appropriate for this client?
- A. Spaghetti and meatballs
- B. Chicken salad sandwich
- C. Steak and potatoes
- D. Hamburger and fries
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A chicken salad sandwich (B) is the most appropriate choice as it is easy to eat on the go, which is important for a client in the manic phase who may have difficulty sitting still for a meal. Spaghetti and meatballs (A) and steak and potatoes (C) require more time and effort to eat, which may be challenging for a client experiencing mania. While hamburger and fries (D) could be an option, a chicken salad sandwich is a healthier and more manageable choice, considering the client's potential hyperactive state.
For a female client with major depressive disorder reporting feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, what is the nurse's priority intervention?
- A. Encourage the client to join a support group.
- B. Refer the client for cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
- C. Assess the client's risk for suicide.
- D. Suggest the client participate in daily exercise.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the client's risk for suicide. When a client expresses feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, it indicates a high risk of self-harm or suicide. Therefore, the priority intervention should be to assess the client's safety. Encouraging the client to join a support group (choice A) may be beneficial but not the priority at this time. Referring the client for cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) (choice B) and suggesting daily exercise (choice D) are important interventions in managing depression but assessing the risk for suicide takes precedence due to the immediate safety concern.
A nurse determines that the wife of an alcoholic client is benefitting from attending an Al-Anon group when the nurse hears the wife say:
- A. I no longer feel that I deserve the meetings my husband inflicts on me.
- B. My attendance at the meetings has helped me to see that I provoke my husband's violence.
- C. I enjoy attending the meetings because they get me out of the house and away from my husband.
- D. I can tolerate my husband's destructive behaviors now that I know they are common with alcoholics.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer as the statement indicates the wife understands that her husband's behavior is not her fault and is benefitting from the group support. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests self-blame rather than recognizing the husband's responsibility. Choice C is incorrect as the benefit is related to emotional support and understanding, not just getting away from the husband. Choice D is incorrect as tolerating destructive behaviors is not a healthy outcome of attending support groups.
In a mental health unit of a hospital, a LPN/LVN is leading a group psychotherapy session. What is the nurse's role in the termination stage of group development?
- A. Encourage problem solving
- B. Encourage accomplishment of the group's work
- C. Acknowledge the contributions of each group member
- D. Encourage members to become acquainted with one another
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During the termination stage of group development in psychotherapy, the nurse's role is to acknowledge the contributions of each group member. This action helps to close the group on a positive note, reinforcing the therapeutic experience. Choice A, encouraging problem-solving, is more relevant in the earlier stages of group development. Choice B, encouraging the accomplishment of the group's work, is important throughout the group process but is not specific to the termination stage. Choice D, encouraging members to become acquainted with one another, is more aligned with the initial stages of group formation rather than the termination stage.