Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Related

Review Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions related questions and content

You have been working closely with a patient for the past month. Today he tells you he is looking forward to meeting with his new psychiatrist but frowns and avoids eye contact while reporting this to you. Which of the following responses would most likely be therapeutic?

  • A. A new psychiatrist is a chance to start fresh; I'm sure it will go well for you.
  • B. You say you look forward to the meeting, but you appear anxious or unhappy.
  • C. I notice that you frowned and avoided eye contact just now. Don't you feel well?
  • D. I get the impression you don't really want to see your psychiatrist-can you tell me why?
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is the most therapeutic response as it acknowledges the discrepancy between the patient's verbal statement and nonverbal cues. By addressing both the patient's expressed anticipation and the conflicting nonverbal cues of frowning and avoiding eye contact, the responder demonstrates attentiveness to the patient's emotional state and encourages further exploration of underlying feelings. This approach fosters open communication and helps the patient feel understood and supported.