A psychiatric nurse is caring for clients on a mental health unit during a group session. What should the nurse do to establish trust in a therapeutic relationship with the clients?

Demonstrate genuineness when communicating.

Focus on the words of the clients.

Control the pace of establishing the nurse-client relationships.

Provide sympathy during interactions.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

Demonstrating genuineness involves being authentic, sincere, and transparent in interactions with clients. This helps build trust by showing that the nurse's intentions and emotions align with their words. Genuineness fosters a sense of safety and openness in the therapeutic relationship.

Choice B rationale:

While focusing on the words of the clients is important, it's not the only factor. Nonverbal cues, emotions, and context also play significant roles in effective communication. Only focusing on words could result in missing important nuances and emotions.

Choice C rationale:

Controlling the pace of the nurse-client relationship contradicts the principle of client-centered care, where the client's readiness and comfort should guide the pace. Pushing the pace might lead to resistance or discomfort, hindering the development of trust.

Choice D rationale:

Providing sympathy involves expressing pity or sorrow for the client's situation. However, empathy, which involves understanding and sharing the client's feelings, is more appropriate. Sympathy might create a sense of pity, while empathy establishes a deeper connection and understanding.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Answer is d. Maintain eye contact with the client and summarize the client’s feelings.

a. Identify other housing options and sources of transportation: While it is essential to address practical needs such as housing and transportation for clients who have experienced a crisis like a house fire, it is not the immediate priority when the client is in acute emotional distress. In this scenario, the client is expressing emotional distress and may not be ready to focus on practical solutions. Therefore, addressing the client's emotional needs should take precedence over addressing practical concerns.

b. Notify the facility chaplain to request scheduling an appointment: While spiritual support can be beneficial for individuals coping with trauma or loss, it should not be the immediate response when a client is in acute emotional distress. While the chaplain's support may be sought later as part of the client's holistic care, it should not precede addressing the client's immediate emotional needs.

c. Confirm that everything will be all right because belongings can be replaced: This option is incorrect because it offers false reassurance and dismisses the client's feelings about their loss. While it is true that belongings can be replaced, the emotional impact of losing possessions, especially in a traumatic event like a house fire, should not be trivialized. The client's feelings of distress and uncertainty are valid and should be acknowledged and addressed by the nurse.

d. Maintain eye contact with the client and summarize the client’s feelings: Correct. This action demonstrates therapeutic communication, which is crucial in providing an atmosphere of support and safety for the client. Maintaining eye contact shows empathy, support, and advocacy, indicating to the client that their feelings are being heard and validated. Summarizing the client's feelings allows the nurse to demonstrate active listening and understanding, fostering trust and rapport between the nurse and client. By prioritizing the client's emotional needs, the nurse can help the client begin to process their feelings and move towards coping and problem-solving.

In summary, the correct answer is d because maintaining eye contact with the client and summarizing their feelings demonstrates therapeutic communication, which is essential in providing support and validation for the client's emotional distress. This approach allows the nurse to establish rapport and trust with the client, facilitating further therapeutic interventions and support.

A. "Why did you make the choice to behave negatively?” B. "You need to calm down and forgive me before discussing this matter any further.” C. "You were made aware of the consequences of negative behavior so you better go to your room.” D. "I understand that you are angry. However, I followed the appropriate protocol.”

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

This response uses a confrontational tone and places blame on the client for their behavior, which is not an example of assertive communication. It can potentially escalate the situation and hinder effective communication.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is authoritarian in nature, using phrases like "you need to" and "forgive me," which can further upset the client and create a power struggle. It lacks empathy and understanding, making it ineffective for assertive communication.

Choice C rationale:

While this response acknowledges the consequences of the client's negative behavior, it uses commanding language ("you better go to your room"), which can be perceived as aggressive and may escalate the situation instead of facilitating effective communication.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is the most effective example of assertive communication. It acknowledges the client's feelings ("I understand that you are angry") while also asserting the nurse's adherence to protocol. This response demonstrates empathy, understanding, and a willingness to address the client's emotions in a non-confrontational manner.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A psychiatric nurse is caring for clients on a mental health unit during a group session. What should the nurse do to establish trust in a therapeutic relationship with the clients?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who lost all his possessions in a house fire and states, "I have no idea what I am going to do. I cannot think right now." Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse in a mental health facility is caring for a client who is upset about the loss of privileges due to repetitive negative behavior. Which of the following statements by the nurse demonstrates the effective use of assertive communication?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The community health nurse recognizes that which of the following mental health issues is most prevalent in the homeless population?

A charge nurse is preparing an educational session about addictive disorders for the nursing staff. Which of the following should the nurse include as etiological factors of addictive disorders? (Select all that apply).

A home health nurse is speaking to a group of acute care nurses about domestic violence. Which of the following statements by one of the acute care nurses indicates a need for clarification by the home health nurse?

A nurse educator is discussing community mental health with a group of nursing students. Based on the public health model, which of the following statements made by one of the students indicates correct information about primary prevention?

When providing community healthcare teaching regarding the early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease, which signs should the nurse advise family members to report (Select all that apply)?

A nurse is collecting a health history on a client who has a diagnosis of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. The nurse recognizes that which of the following is an expected history associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?

A nurse is reviewing medication records for several clients who have bipolar disorder. The nurse should recognize that which of the following medications are used to treat clients who have bipolar disorder? (Select all that apply.).

The nurse is reviewing the records of a child diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Which of the following client outcomes should the nurse recognize as realistic for a client diagnosed with ASD?