Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition - Communication and the Therapeutic Relationship Related

Review Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition - Communication and the Therapeutic Relationship related questions and content

While providing care to a patient with a mental disorder, the patient asks the nurse, 'Does mental illness run in your family?' Which response by the nurse would be most inappropriate?

  • A. Mental illnesses do run in families, and I?ve had a lot of experience caring for people with mental illness.
  • B. It sounds like you are concerned that there may be a family connection to your current problem?
  • C. Yes, it does. I have a sister who was diagnosed several years ago with severe major depression.
  • D. Mental illness can be family related. Let?s focus the discussion on you and how you?re doing today.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Self-disclosure, especially personal details like a family member?s mental illness, is inappropriate in therapeutic communication unless it directly benefits the patient. Option C risks shifting focus to the nurse. Other responses redirect to the patient?s concerns or provide general information, maintaining therapeutic focus.