According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which situation on an inpatient mental health unit would require priority intervention?

Choice A Reason:

To provide support for the patient is not appropriate. While providing support is important in therapeutic communication, the nurse's statement is more focused on bringing attention to an inconsistency rather than offering direct emotional support.

Choice B Reason:

To redirect the patient to an important idea is not appropriate. The nurse's statement is not aimed at redirecting the patient to a specific idea. Instead, it's about highlighting a potential incongruence between the patient's verbal and nonverbal expressions.

Choice C Reason:

To provide a suggestion for coping strategies is not appropriate. The nurse's statement is not directly offering suggestions for coping strategies. It is more focused on helping the patient recognize and explore the discrepancy in their expressed emotions.

Choice D Reasons:

To bring inconsistencies into awareness is appropriate. This therapeutic communication technique is aimed at helping the patient recognize and explore any inconsistencies between their verbal and nonverbal expressions. By pointing out the discrepancy between the patient's statement of feeling sad and the observed behavior of smiling, the nurse encourages the patient to reflect on and explore their emotions more deeply. This can contribute to increased self-awareness and a better understanding of the patient's emotional state.

Choice A Reason:

"Your husband is making really good progress" This statement assumes a positive or negative judgment about the husband's progress without first understanding the spouse's concerns. It may not address the spouse's immediate emotional needs or allow them to express their feelings.

Choice B Reason:

"Crying helps us let things out and we feel better". While this statement acknowledges the act of crying as a way to express emotions, it doesn't directly address the specific concerns of the spouse or invite further communication about the issues causing distress.

Choice C Reason:

"Tell me what is concerning you. “This is a therapeutic nursing response because it encourages the spouse to express their concerns and share their feelings. It opens up communication and allows the nurse to better understand the specific issues or worries that the spouse is experiencing. This response demonstrates active listening and a genuine interest in the spouse's perspective, fostering a supportive and empathetic therapeutic relationship.

Choice D Reason:

"Did your husband say something to upset you?" This question assumes that the spouse's distress is solely related to something the husband said. It may not be the most open-ended or empathetic way to encourage the spouse to share their concerns and might direct the focus too narrowly.