The nurse administers a medication that potentiates the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Which effect would be expected?

Choice A reason: Describing consequences of actions indicates cognitive awareness and problem-solving skills, but it does not directly reflect a healthy self-concept. Self-concept involves self-perception, esteem, and a balanced view of strengths and limitations. This choice focuses on behavioral outcomes, not internal self-worth, making it an inadequate indicator of the goal.

Choice B reason: Perceiving oneself as always capable of achieving goals suggests overconfidence or grandiosity, which can indicate a maladaptive self-concept, potentially linked to narcissistic traits. A healthy self-concept involves realistic self-assessment, acknowledging both strengths and limitations. This choice reflects an unbalanced view, making it incorrect for the goal of a healthy self-concept.

Choice C reason: Seeking help when needed demonstrates a healthy self-concept, reflecting self-awareness, humility, and confidence in recognizing personal limitations. This aligns with psychological theories of self-esteem, emphasizing balanced self-perception and social interdependence. It indicates emotional maturity and adaptive coping, making this the correct choice for achieving the goal.

Choice D reason: Meeting own needs without regard for others’ rights suggests selfishness or lack of empathy, indicative of a maladaptive self-concept. A healthy self-concept includes respect for social boundaries and reciprocity, which this choice violates. It reflects a self-centered approach, not a balanced or healthy self-perception, making it incorrect.

Choice A reason: Silence in group therapy provides space for reflection, allowing members to process emotions and thoughts. This supports therapeutic goals by fostering insight and self-awareness, aligning with psychiatric principles of facilitating emotional processing, making this the correct choice.

Choice B reason: Silence does not encourage immediate verbal responses; it promotes contemplation. Encouraging quick responses may pressure participants, disrupting therapeutic processing, which relies on reflective pauses, making this statement contrary to the therapeutic use of silence and incorrect.

Choice C reason: Using silence to discipline is punitive, not therapeutic. Silence in therapy aims to facilitate reflection, not control behavior, which contradicts psychiatric nursing principles of fostering a supportive environment, making this choice incorrect and non-therapeutic.

Choice D reason: Silence complements, not replaces, active listening. Active listening involves verbal and nonverbal engagement, while silence provides reflective space. Replacing listening with silence undermines therapeutic communication, making this statement incorrect for the role of silence in therapy.