A client with depression is not attentive to personal hygiene, uses television watching as a means of escape from responsibilities, and describes an inability to enjoy the things that once gave them pleasure. Which coping strategy should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Recall methods that were most successful in the past.
Turn to other activities to take one's mind off of the issues.
Reach out to family and friends about feelings of abandonment.
Relax and reduce the amount of effort to solve the problem.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Recalling methods that were most successful in the past is an effective coping strategy. This approach encourages the client to identify and utilize strategies that have previously helped them manage their depression. It fosters a sense of agency and can inspire motivation to engage in positive behaviors again.
B) Turning to other activities to take one's mind off of the issues may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying issues related to depression. This strategy could lead to avoidance rather than active problem-solving and engagement with life.
C) Reaching out to family and friends about feelings of abandonment is important for social support; however, it may not be the first step in the coping strategy. The client may need to develop skills to articulate their feelings before reaching out, and it also doesn’t directly address their current disengagement from activities.
D) Relaxing and reducing the amount of effort to solve the problem may feel appealing but could reinforce avoidance behaviors. It’s crucial to encourage the client to engage actively with their emotions and challenges instead of stepping back entirely. The goal should be to empower the client to take small, manageable steps toward re-engagement with life, making option A the most suitable choice.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Asking the client why she is so anxious might seem like a valid approach to understand her feelings; however, at this moment, she may not be able to articulate her anxiety effectively. Instead of exploring the reasons for her anxiety right away, it's more important to provide immediate support.
B) Administering a PRN sedative can provide temporary relief for severe anxiety, but it should not be the first line of intervention during the admission process. Pharmacological intervention is important, but establishing a therapeutic relationship and using non-pharmacological approaches can be equally or more effective in the long term.
C) Assisting the client in developing alternative coping skills is a valuable intervention, but it may not be appropriate to initiate this process immediately during the admission phase when the client is experiencing acute anxiety. The client needs first to feel safe and stabilized.
D) Remaining calm and using a matter-of-fact approach is the most important intervention during the admission process. This approach helps create a safe environment and reassures the client. By modeling calmness, the nurse can help reduce the client’s anxiety levels and foster a sense of security, allowing for better engagement and assessment.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Praising the client for her new behavior can be encouraging and may boost her self-esteem. However, it’s essential to approach this cautiously, as excessive praise might overwhelm her or be perceived as insincere. While positive reinforcement is valuable, it should not be the sole focus of the intervention.
B) Offering her a choice of activities can promote autonomy and encourage engagement, but given her recent shift from despondency to exhibiting energy, it’s crucial to assess her mood and mental state carefully first. Providing choices may be helpful, but it should be accompanied by vigilant monitoring to ensure her safety.
C) Involving her in group therapy could facilitate social interaction and support, but it may not be appropriate immediately. After several days of nonverbal behavior, she may still be vulnerable. Group settings could be overwhelming, and her readiness to participate should be carefully evaluated.
D) Observing her actions continuously is the most critical action at this stage. The change in her behavior—from being despondent and nonverbal to talking and exhibiting energy—can indicate a potential shift toward increased risk for impulsivity or self-harm. Continuous observation allows the nurse to assess her safety and intervene if her behavior escalates, ensuring she is supported during this transitional phase.
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