A nurse is conducting a group therapy meeting and shares a humorous story. When the group laughs at the story, a client diagnosed with schizophrenia jumps up and runs out while yelling, 'You are all making fun of me.' The nurse recognizes that the client is displaying which of the following behaviors?"

 

Choice A reason:

Controlling the pace of establishing nurse-client relationships is important, but it does not directly contribute to building trust. Trust is built on consistency and predictability, which can be fostered by controlling the pace, but it is the authenticity and transparency in interactions that lay the foundation for trust.

Choice B reason:

Focusing on the words of the clients shows attentiveness and respect for what they are saying, which is a component of active listening. While this is an essential skill for nurses, it is the understanding and empathetic response to those words that will build trust, not just the focus on the words themselves.

Choice C reason:

Providing sympathy during interactions can be comforting to clients, but sympathy alone may not establish trust. Sympathy is feeling compassion for someone else's situation, whereas empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another. Empathy leads to deeper connections and trust than sympathy alone.

Choice D reason:

Demonstrating genuineness when communicating is the most effective way to establish trust. Genuineness involves being open, honest, and authentic with clients. It means the nurse is true to themselves and to the clients, which helps to create a safe space where clients feel understood and valued, leading to trust.

Choice A Reason:

Medicating the patient with antipsychotics is not the first-line intervention for managing this behavior. Antipsychotics should be used cautiously and only when non-pharmacological interventions have failed or if the client poses a danger to themselves or others. Over-reliance on medication can lead to unnecessary side effects and does not address the underlying cause of the behavior.

Choice B Reason:

Assisting the client to the correct room is the most appropriate and immediate action. Clients with late-stage Alzheimer's disease often experience confusion and disorientation, which can lead to wandering and entering the wrong room. Gently guiding the client back to their own room helps to reduce their confusion and ensures the safety and comfort of both clients involved.

Choice C Reason:

Moving the client to a room at the end of the hall may not be effective in preventing future incidents and could increase the client's sense of isolation and confusion. It is more beneficial to address the immediate behavior and provide ongoing supervision and support to prevent wandering.

Choice D Reason:

Placing the client in restraints should be avoided unless absolutely necessary for the safety of the client or others. Restraints can cause physical and psychological harm and should only be used as a last resort. Non-restrictive interventions, such as redirection and supervision, are preferred.