During a family therapy session led by a nurse, which of the following statements should be recognized as an example of effective communication among a mother, father, and two adolescent siblings?

Choice A rationale:

Dismissive and unsupportive: This response discounts the client's son's feelings of guilt and obligation toward their parent. It also implies that the client's son's presence is not valuable, which could further increase their distress.

Undermines the client's son's role as a caregiver: It suggests that the client's son has no responsibilities or ability to contribute to their parent's care, which could diminish their sense of agency and potentially lead to resentment or regret.

Fails to address the underlying emotions: It does not acknowledge the client's son's internal conflict and emotional turmoil, which is essential for providing effective support.

Choice C rationale:

Offers a practical solution, but may not address the core issue: While calling the children could provide temporary reassurance, it may not fully alleviate the client's son's feelings of guilt or anxiety about leaving their parent.

May not be feasible or sufficient: The client's son may need more than a phone call to feel comfortable leaving, and they may not be able to reach their children immediately.

Could be perceived as dismissive: It could suggest that the nurse is minimizing the client's son's concerns and not fully understanding their emotional needs.

Choice D rationale:

Reassuring, but may not address the client's son's guilt: While it provides assurance about the client's care, it does not directly acknowledge or validate the client's son's feelings of guilt or obligation.

Focuses on the client's care, but not the client's son's needs: It prioritizes the physical care of the client, but may overlook the emotional needs of the client's son, who is also a primary stakeholder in the situation.

May not be enough to alleviate the client's son's concerns: The client's son may still feel responsible for their parent's well- being, even with reassurance from the nurse.

Choice B rationale:

Empathetic and validates the client's son's feelings: It directly acknowledges the client's son's conflicting emotions and demonstrates understanding of their difficult situation.

Promotes self-reflection and exploration: It encourages the client's son to further express their feelings and explore their options, which can lead to greater clarity and self-awareness.

Facilitates decision-making: It helps the client's son to weigh their priorities and make a decision that aligns with their values and responsibilities, ultimately empowering them to take action.

Strengthens the therapeutic relationship: It demonstrates the nurse's ability to connect with the client's son on an emotional level, building trust and rapport.

Choice A rationale: Clients who are admitted involuntarily cannot be hospitalized for as long as the provider deems necessary. There are legal and ethical guidelines that dictate the length and conditions of involuntary hospitalization. These guidelines vary by jurisdiction, but they generally require periodic review and reevaluation of the client’s condition and the necessity of continued hospitalization.

Choice B rationale: Clients cannot be given medications against their will under normal circumstances. Informed consent is a fundamental right in healthcare, including mental health care. This means that clients have the right to be fully informed about the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives of a proposed treatment, and to make an informed decision about whether to accept or refuse the treatment. There are exceptions in emergency situations where the client poses an immediate danger to self or others, but these are governed by strict legal and ethical guidelines.

Choice C rationale: Clients who are involuntarily admitted do have the right to informed consent. This means that even if a client is admitted to a mental health facility against their will, they still have the right to be informed about their treatment and to make decisions about their care. This includes the right to be informed about the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives of proposed treatments, and the right to refuse treatment.

Choice D rationale: The laws regarding restraints are not different for clients who are admitted involuntarily. Restraints can only be used as a last resort when less restrictive interventions have failed and the client poses an immediate danger to self or others. The use of restraints is governed by strict legal and ethical guidelines, and these apply to all clients, regardless of whether they were admitted voluntarily or involuntarily.