A client has made the decision to leave her alcoholic husband and reports feeling very depressed. Which of the following is a non-therapeutic statement by the nurse that demonstrates sympathy?
"You are feeling very depressed. I felt the same way when I decided to leave my husband.”
"I can understand you are feeling depressed. It was a difficult decision. I'll sit with you.”
"You seem depressed. It was a difficult decision to make. Would you like to talk about it?”
"I know this is a difficult time for you. Would you like medication for anxiety?”
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
The statement "You are feeling very depressed. I felt the same way when I decided to leave my husband." is a non-therapeutic statement that demonstrates sympathy. The nurse is sharing personal experiences, which can shift the focus from the client's feelings to the nurse's own experiences.
Choice B rationale:
The statement "I can understand you are feeling depressed. It was a difficult decision. I'll sit with you." is a therapeutic response that offers support and empathy without diverting the focus to the nurse's experiences. The nurse's willingness to sit with the client is a positive aspect of this response.
Choice C rationale:
The statement "You seem depressed. It was a difficult decision to make. Would you like to talk about it?" is a therapeutic response that acknowledges the client's feelings, offers support, and invites further conversation. This response encourages the client to express themselves.
Choice D rationale:
The statement "I know this is a difficult time for you. Would you like medication for anxiety?" acknowledges the client's difficulties but immediately offers medication as a solution. While medication can be a valid option, it's important to prioritize open communication and emotional support before suggesting medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B: "I am powerless against my addiction to alcohol."
Choice B rationale:
This statement reflects an understanding of one of the fundamental principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which is the acknowledgment of powerlessness over alcohol. The concept of powerlessness is a cornerstone of the 12-step program and encourages individuals to recognize that attempting to control their addiction often leads to negative consequences. This admission is crucial for clients in recovery, as it opens the door to seeking support and relying on the fellowship and guidance of AA.
Choice A rationale:
While identifying triggers for alcoholism is important, this statement does not directly capture the essence of AA's principle. The focus on identifying causes does not fully encompass the concept of powerlessness over the addiction.
Choice C rationale:
Responsibility for one's alcoholism is not a core principle of AA. Instead, the program encourages individuals to take responsibility for their actions and their commitment to recovery, but not for causing their addiction in the first place.
Choice D rationale:
AA is a peer support program that emphasizes personal responsibility and self-accountability. While counseling might be beneficial, the statement implies external responsibility for recovery, which contradicts the self-help nature of AA.
Correct Answer is ["A", "B", "E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Tremors. Rationale: Tremors can be a withdrawal symptom associated with alcohol withdrawal. These tremors are often referred to as "alcohol shakes" and are a result of the central nervous system adapting to the sudden absence of alcohol.
Choice B rationale:
Insomnia. Rationale: Insomnia is a common withdrawal symptom during alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol disrupts sleep patterns, and when a person stops drinking, their sleep cycle may be disturbed, leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Choice C rationale:
Severe hypotension. Rationale: Severe hypotension, or very low blood pressure, is not a prominent withdrawal symptom of alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal can lead to an increase in blood pressure rather than severe hypotension.
Choice D rationale:
Hyperglycemia. Rationale: Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is not a direct withdrawal symptom of alcohol. However, chronic alcohol use can affect blood sugar regulation over time. During acute withdrawal, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is more common due to altered metabolism.
Choice E rationale:
Visual hallucinations. Rationale: This statement is correct. Visual hallucinations can occur during alcohol withdrawal and are often indicative of a more severe withdrawal syndrome known as delirium tremens (DTs). DTs can include visual hallucinations, confusion, agitation, and autonomic hyperactivity.
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