A nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse as she assists in providing family therapy for a client regarding relationship concerns with his spouse. Which of the following statements to the client by the newly licensed nurse requires intervention by the nurse?

Projection is a defense mechanism where an individual attributes their own undesirable thoughts, feelings, or impulses onto someone else. In this case, the client is projecting their own desire to go out and have a drink onto the nurse and others involved in their care. They are attributing their own feelings to others in an attempt to avoid acknowledging or taking responsibility for their own desires.

A- Reaction-formation is a defense mechanism where an individual expresses the opposite of their true feelings or impulses.

B- Compensation is a defense mechanism where an individual tries to make up for their perceived deficiencies by excelling in another area.

D- Identification is a defense mechanism where an individual models their behavior after someone they admire.

This statement implies that the nurse is taking sides and suggesting a specific course of action to the client. It is important for the nurse to remain neutral and non-directive during family therapy sessions. The nurse's role is to facilitate open communication, active listening, and understanding between the family members, rather than imposing their own opinions or suggesting specific solutions.

To ensure a therapeutic and unbiased approach, the nurse should intervene and provide feedback to the newly licensed nurse, reminding them to maintain a neutral stance and encourage the client to explore their own perspectives and feelings about the relationship.

Incorrect:

A. "We should invite your partner to be a part of our discussion." This statement suggests involving the partner, which is a common practice in family therapy. It recognizes the importance of including all relevant family members in the therapeutic process.

B. "Tell me about the concerns that you have regarding your relationship." This statement encourages the client to express their concerns and provides an opportunity for them to share their thoughts and feelings about the relationship. It promotes open communication and active listening.

D. "Relationship difficulties are stressful and require effort to resolve." This statement acknowledges the challenges in relationships and emphasizes the need for active participation and effort to address and resolve issues. It sets a realistic expectation for the client and supports their engagement in the therapeutic process.