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.
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In an outpatient mental health clinic, a nurse is preparing to conduct an initial client interview. Which of the following actions should the nurse identify as a priority?
- A. Coordinate holistic care with social services
- B. Identify the client's perception of their mental health status
- C. Include the client's family in the interview
- D. Educate the client about their current mental health disorder
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During an initial client interview in a mental health clinic, it is essential for the nurse to prioritize identifying the client's perception of their mental health status. Understanding how the client views their mental health can provide valuable insights into their condition, concerns, and needs, facilitating the development of a tailored and effective care plan. Coordinating holistic care with social services, including the client's family in the interview, and educating the client about their current mental health disorder are important aspects of care but may not be the priority during the initial interview, where understanding the client's own perspective is crucial.
In planning care for the termination phase of a nurse-client relationship, which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Discussing ways to use new behaviors
- B. Practicing new problem-solving skills
- C. Developing goals
- D. Establishing boundaries
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During the termination phase of a nurse-client relationship, it is crucial to discuss ways to use new behaviors. This helps the client integrate and apply the skills and strategies they have acquired during the therapeutic process into their daily life. By focusing on the application of new behaviors, the client can maintain progress and continue to grow even after the professional relationship has ended. Practicing new problem-solving skills, developing goals, and establishing boundaries are important aspects of the therapeutic process but are more commonly addressed in earlier phases of the nurse-client relationship. Therefore, the correct action to include in the plan of care during the termination phase is discussing ways to use new behaviors.
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.
A client who is at risk for suicide following their partner's death is speaking with a nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
- A. "I feel very sorry for the loneliness you must be experiencing."
- B. "Suicide is not the appropriate way to cope with loss."
- C. "Losing someone close to you must be very upsetting."
- D. "I know how difficult it is to lose a loved one."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a client is at risk for suicide, it is crucial for the nurse to acknowledge the emotional impact of losing a loved one without downplaying or judging their feelings. Statement C demonstrates empathy and understanding without making assumptions or providing unsolicited advice, making it the most appropriate response in this situation. Choice A focuses more on the nurse's feelings rather than the client's, which might not effectively address the client's emotional state. Choice B is judgmental and dismissive, which could further isolate the client. Choice D, although empathetic, shifts the focus to the nurse's experience rather than validating the client's feelings.
When the caregiver of a child asks the nurse for reassurance about their child's condition, which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. "I think your child is getting better. What have you noticed?"
- B. "I'm sure everything will be okay. It just takes time to heal."
- C. "I'm not sure what's wrong. Have you asked the doctor about your concerns?"
- D. "I understand you're concerned. Let's discuss what concerns you specifically."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When providing reassurance to a caregiver about their child's condition, it's essential to acknowledge their concern and address it specifically. Response D demonstrates empathy and a willingness to discuss the caregiver's specific concerns, which can help in providing accurate information and support to them. Choices A and B provide general reassurance without addressing the caregiver's specific concerns, which may not alleviate their worries effectively. Choice C deflects the question back to the caregiver and suggests consulting the doctor without directly engaging with the caregiver's worries, which may not offer the needed support and reassurance.