A nurse observes that a client is sitting alone in her room crying. As the nurse approaches, she states, "I'm feeling really down and don't want to talk to anyone right now." Which of the following responses is appropriate for the nurse?

"It might help you feel better if you talk about it."

“Why are you feeling so down?"

“I just sit here with you for a few minutes then."

"I understand. I've felt like that before, too."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

The appropriate response for the nurse in this situation would be: "I'll just sit here with you for a few minutes then."
This response acknowledges the client's expressed desire not to talk and respects their boundaries. It shows support and presence by offering companionship without pressuring the client to discuss their feelings. The nurse's willingness to sit with the client demonstrates empathy and provides a sense of comfort and reassurance.
The other options are not as appropriate:

1.   "It might help you feel better if you talk about it." This response disregards the client's stated preference not to talk and may create a sense of pressure or intrusiveness. It is important to respect the client's autonomy and readiness to share their feelings.
2.   "Why are you feeling so down?" This response directly asks the client to explain their feelings, which they have already indicated they do not want to discuss. It can be seen as intrusive and may make the client feel uncomfortable or defensive.
3.   "I understand. I've felt like that before, too." While empathy is important, this response brings the focus back to the nurse's own experiences, potentially diverting the attention from the client. It is important for the nurse to remain focused on the client's needs and create a supportive environment for them to express their feelings if they choose to do so.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A situational crisis is a type of crisis that occurs in response to a specific event or situation that disrupts a person's usual coping mechanisms. In this case, the sudden death of the client's partner has caused significant distress and an inability to cope with work and family responsibilities. The client's feelings of paralysis and inability to function indicate a response to the specific situation they are facing.

Incorrect:

B- Developmental crisis refers to crises that arise during normal stages of growth and development, such as adolescence or midlife crisis.

C- A maturational crisis involves a crisis that occurs as a result of the normal process of aging and the associated challenges and changes that come with it.

D- Adventitious crisis refers to crises that arise from unpredictable, uncommon events that are out of the ordinary, such as natural disasters or accidents.

A. Reaction-formation B. Compensation C. Projection D. Identification

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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.

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A nurse observes that a client is sitting alone in her room crying. As the nurse approaches, she states, "I'm feeling really down and don't want to talk to anyone right now." Which of the following responses is appropriate for the nurse?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client following the recent, sudden death of his partner. The client says, "I feel paralyzed and can't seem to cope with work or family responsibilities anymore." Which of the following types of crisis is the client demonstrating?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is assisting with the court-ordered admission of a client to a substance-abuse program. The client states, "You are all angry at me and wish you could go out and have a drink." The client's response is an example of which of the following defense mechanisms?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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A nurse observes that a client is sitting alone in her room crying. As the nurse approaches, she states, "I'm feeling really down and don't want to talk to anyone right now." Which of the following responses is appropriate for the nurse?

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