A client with anxiety disorder expresses concerns about starting therapy. Which response by the nurse demonstrates appropriate communication?
"Therapy won't really help, but you should try it anyway.".
"Don't worry, just take your medications as prescribed.".
"It's understandable to feel nervous about starting therapy. Many people have similar concerns.".
"You should rely on your friends and family for support instead.".
The Correct Answer is C
Choice C rationale:
Responding with empathy and validation, such as acknowledging the client's concerns about starting therapy, is appropriate communication. It demonstrates the nurse's understanding of the client's feelings and helps establish a supportive and trusting relationship. Many individuals with anxiety disorder have reservations about therapy, and addressing their concerns can alleviate some of their apprehensions.
Choice A rationale:
Suggesting that "Therapy won't really help, but you should try it anyway" is discouraging and undermines the potential benefits of therapy. It may lead to decreased motivation and engagement in the therapeutic process.
Choice B rationale:
Instructing the client to solely rely on medications oversimplifies treatment and disregards the potential effectiveness of therapy and other coping strategies. Medications can be a part of the treatment plan, but a comprehensive approach is usually recommended.
Choice D rationale:
Advising the client to rely on friends and family for support instead of seeking professional help minimizes the importance of therapeutic interventions. While social support is valuable, it is not a substitute for evidence-based treatments for anxiety disorder.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Assist the client in challenging irrational thoughts.
Choice A rationale:
While medication may be a part of the treatment plan, the primary goal of establishing a therapeutic relationship is not to immediately prescribe medication. Building trust, rapport, and understanding the client's needs are initial priorities.
Choice B rationale:
Educating the client about relaxation techniques can be helpful, but the primary goal is to address the cognitive and emotional aspects of anxiety. Challenging irrational thoughts is a more central focus.
Choice C rationale:
The primary goal of establishing a therapeutic relationship with a client with anxiety disorder is to assist the client in challenging irrational thoughts. This involves identifying distorted thought patterns and helping the client reframe or replace these thoughts with more realistic and balanced ones.
Choice D rationale:
Developing measurable and realistic outcomes is an important aspect of the therapeutic process, but it is not the primary goal of establishing the therapeutic relationship. Measurable outcomes come after working through various therapeutic interventions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
"Tell me about your favorite hobbies."
Choice A rationale:
Asking about hobbies is a non-threatening way to initiate the assessment while building rapport. This choice encourages the client to discuss positive aspects of their life, potentially lowering anxiety levels.
Choice B rationale:
Suggesting avoidance might not be suitable for assessment. While avoidance might reduce immediate anxiety, it's not a healthy long-term coping mechanism. This statement overlooks the opportunity to explore healthier strategies.
Choice C rationale:
This open-ended question might be too probing for an initial assessment. It could make the client defensive or overwhelmed and might not yield comprehensive information about their anxiety and coping mechanisms.
Choice D rationale:
This statement invalidates the client's feelings and suggests that anxiety is insignificant. It fails to acknowledge the client's experiences and discourages open expression.
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