A nurse is leading a group on an adolescent psychiatric unit. A new member in the group is from out of state; his accent and his way of dressing set him apart from the other patients; and it is obvious that the group, for the most part, dislikes this patient. During the group session, the nurse has the members draw the emotion they are feeling and then has them present their drawings and explain them to the group. Which of the following would be the most effective way to address the group?s dislike for the new member?
- A. Skip him when it is his turn to present his drawing.
- B. Let the patient talk last so the others will not have time to make fun of him.
- C. Compliment the patient when he presents his drawing.
- D. Demand that each member of the group tell the patient why they dislike him.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Complimenting the patient?s drawing fosters inclusion and validates his contribution, countering the group?s dislike without confrontation. Skipping him or delaying his turn risks further isolation, and demanding explanations may escalate hostility, disrupting group dynamics.
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The nurse is preparing to form a group in an inpatient psychiatric setting for patients who have experienced trauma. In addition to the group leader, the nurse would anticipate including how many patients?
- A. Three or four
- B. Five or six
- C. Seven or eight
- D. Nine or 10
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In inpatient psychiatric settings, trauma-focused groups typically include 7?8 members (plus the leader) to balance interaction, support, and manageability, allowing for meaningful participation while maintaining a safe environment. Smaller groups (3?4 or 5?6) may limit diversity of perspectives, and larger groups (9?10) may be overwhelming for trauma patients.
A psychiatric-mental health nurse is preparing to lead a medication group. Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to assess? Select all that apply.
- A. Cognitive abilities
- B. Medication knowledge
- C. Reading skills
- D. Writing abilities
- E. Use of a specific medication
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: For a medication group, assessing cognitive abilities (A), medication knowledge (B), and reading skills (C) is critical to ensure members can understand and engage with educational content. Writing abilities (D) are less essential, and specific medication use (E) is part of knowledge assessment.
The nurse is leading a small group of hospitalized patients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders. One group member has asked for advice and often agrees with suggestions by other group members but then adds, 'Yes, but . . .' to every suggestion offered. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
- A. Things would probably work out better if you joined a different group.
- B. Do you realize you say, 'Yes, but . . .' to every suggestion the group has for you?
- C. I suggest you stop and think about why you always respond to suggestions with 'Yes, but . . .'
- D. What solution do you think would work best for you?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The 'Yes, but . . .' response suggests resistance or difficulty accepting suggestions. Asking 'What solution do you think would work best for you?' empowers the patient to explore their own ideas, promoting engagement. Options A and B are confrontational, and C is directive, potentially shutting down communication.
A patient has been placed in an anger management group because he has trouble controlling his angry outbursts. The nurse interprets this type group as an example of which of the following?
- A. Psychotherapy
- B. Self-help
- C. Psychoeducation
- D. Supportive therapy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Anger management groups focus on teaching skills and strategies to manage emotions, characteristic of psychoeducation. Psychotherapy involves deeper psychological exploration, self-help groups are peer-led, and supportive therapy emphasizes emotional support, not skill-building.
The nurse has begun group counseling sessions for several hospitalized patients in the psychiatric facility. Which of the following would be most effective for the nurse to do to promote group cohesiveness?
- A. Use team-building exercises.
- B. Encourage task completion by members.
- C. Spend time with each member individually.
- D. Be consistent with the group themes.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Team-building exercises foster trust and connection among members, directly promoting group cohesiveness. Task completion focuses on goals, not unity; individual time may fragment the group; and consistent themes support structure but not necessarily cohesion.
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