A nurse is assisting a client who is working on the technique of systematic desensitization. Which statement made by the nurse best uses the principle of technique?

Systematic desensitization is a therapeutic technique used to help individuals gradually overcome their fears or phobias by exposing them to the feared stimulus in a controlled and systematic way. The goal is to reduce anxiety and increase relaxation through a step-by-step process.

The statement "What is the worst that will happen if you confront this fear?" aligns with the principle of systematic desensitization because it encourages the client to explore and challenge their negative beliefs or catastrophic thinking associated with their fear. By questioning the potential negative outcomes, the nurse is helping the client to reevaluate their fear response

and consider more realistic expectations. This process can contribute to the client's ability to confront their fear gradually and reduce anxiety over time.

The other statements are still helpful and supportive, but they do not specifically address the principles of systematic desensitization:

“I can see you are anxious. Let's stop for a minute." acknowledges the client's anxiety but does not actively engage in the technique of systematic desensitization.

"Use the deep breathing techniques we practiced yesterday." focuses on relaxation techniques, which can be helpful in managing anxiety but does not specifically address the principles of systematic desensitization.

“Tell me how you are feeling right now." encourages the client to express their feelings but does not directly engage in the technique of systematic desensitization.

The nurse should include the following components when performing a mental status examination (MSE) on a client with a new diagnosis of dementia:

● Grooming: Assessing the client's grooming and personal hygiene can provide insights into their ability to care for themselves and maintain basic activities of daily living.

● Long-term memory: Evaluating the client's long-term memory can help identify any deficits or impairments in their ability to recall past events, experiences, or personal information. This is particularly relevant in dementia, as it often affects memory function.

● Support systems: Assessing the client's support systems, such as family members, friends, or caregivers, is essential in understanding the resources available to the client and the level of assistance they may require in managing their dementia. However, this does not occur within the mental status exam.

● Affect: Evaluating the client's affect refers to observing their emotional expression and responsiveness during the assessment. In dementia, changes in affect can occur, such as a flat affect or inappropriate emotional responses.

The component that should not be included in the MSE for a client with dementia is:

● Presence of pain: While pain assessment is an important aspect of caring for individuals with various health conditions, including dementia, it is not a specific component of the mental status examination. Pain assessment is typically addressed separately and should be conducted when necessary or based on the client's specific complaints or indications of pain.