A mental health nurse is caring for a client with Antisocial Personality Disorder who attacked one of her friends and is admitted to the psychiatric unit.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Explain to the client that the behavior was unacceptable.
Set behavioral limits for the client.
Explore the truth of the client's statements.
Establish a client relationship.
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale for Choice A:
While it is important to address the client's behavior, simply explaining that it was unacceptable is unlikely to be effective in this situation. Clients with antisocial personality disorder often have difficulty understanding and accepting responsibility for their actions. They may lack empathy for others and may not see their behavior as problematic. Confronting the client about their behavior too early in the therapeutic relationship could lead to defensiveness, hostility, or even aggression. It is important to first establish a rapport with the client and build a foundation of trust before addressing difficult topics.
Rationale for Choice B:
Setting behavioral limits is an important aspect of treatment for clients with antisocial personality disorder. However, it is not the first priority in this situation. Before setting limits, the nurse needs to establish a relationship with the client and assess their individual needs and level of functioning. Attempting to set limits without first establishing a rapport could lead to power struggles and further resistance from the client.
Rationale for Choice C:
Exploring the truth of the client's statements may be necessary at some point in the treatment process. However, it is not the first priority in this situation. The nurse's initial focus should be on establishing a relationship with the client and assessing their immediate needs. Focusing on the accuracy of the client's statements too early in the therapeutic process could derail the development of a trusting relationship.
Rationale for Choice D:
Establishing a client relationship is the first and most important step in the treatment of any client, but it is especially crucial for clients with antisocial personality disorder. These clients often have difficulty trusting others and forming close relationships. By establishing a rapport with the client, the nurse can begin to build trust and create a safe and supportive environment. This foundation is essential for any further therapeutic interventions to be successful.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This response is dismissive of the client's concerns and does not acknowledge their feelings. It also implies that the client is not knowledgeable about their own condition. This could make the client feel defensive and less likely to share their concerns in the future.
It focuses on the medical facts of the diagnosis rather than addressing the client's emotional state. It may come across as patronizing or judgmental, further alienating the client.
Choice B rationale:
This response demonstrates active listening and empathy. It acknowledges the client's feelings and validates their concerns. This can help to build trust and rapport with the client.
It encourages the client to express their fears and worries, which can be therapeutic in itself.
It opens the door for further discussion about the client's concerns and provides an opportunity for the nurse to offer support and education.
Choice C rationale:
This response is reassuring, but it does not address the client's underlying concerns. It may also come across as dismissive or patronizing.
It relies solely on the medical chart to make a judgment about the client's concerns, without taking into account the client's own perspective.
It does not provide an opportunity for the client to express their fears and worries.
Choice D rationale:
This response is a deflection and does not provide the client with the support they need in the moment. It may also make the client feel like their concerns are not being taken seriously.
It shifts the responsibility for addressing the client's concerns to the provider, which may not be helpful if the client is already feeling anxious or uncertain.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This response indicates anger, not denial. The client is expressing anger towards the doctor and their perceived lack of competence. While anger can be a component of the grief process, it does not specifically align with the denial phase, which is characterized by a refusal to accept the reality of a situation.
Choice B rationale:
This response indicates fatigue or depression, not denial. The client is acknowledging their physical and emotional state but is not expressing disbelief or refusal to accept their diagnosis.
Choice C rationale:
This response clearly demonstrates denial. The client is minimizing the severity of their diagnosis and attributing the doctor's statements to an ulterior motive. This is a classic example of denial, as it involves a distortion of reality to avoid facing a painful truth.
Choice D rationale:
This response indicates acceptance, not denial. The client is acknowledging the reality of their situation and expressing gratitude for the care they have received.
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