The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with catatonia. Which of the following should be a priority action by the nurse?

Choice A Reason:
Assessing the client's readiness for therapy is a crucial role of the nurse in CBT. It involves determining whether the client is willing and able to participate in therapy, understands the CBT process, and is motivated to engage in the cognitive and behavioral changes that CBT requires. This assessment helps ensure that the therapy is client-centered and tailored to the individual's specific needs and readiness level.

Choice B Reason:
While involving the client's family can be beneficial in therapy, implementing therapeutic techniques that involve only the client's family does not align with the primary goals of CBT. CBT focuses on the individual's patterns of thinking and behavior, and while family support can be part of the process, the nurse's role is not limited to family involvement alone.

Choice C Reason:
Educating the client to identify and challenge negative thoughts is a fundamental aspect of CBT. The nurse helps the client recognize their automatic negative thoughts, understand the impact these thoughts have on their emotions and behavior, and learn to challenge and reframe these thoughts in a more positive and realistic way.

Choice D Reason:
Evaluating to determine the effectiveness of the actions is part of the nurse's role in CBT. This involves monitoring the client's progress, assessing the outcomes of the interventions, and making necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Evaluation is an ongoing process that ensures the therapy is effective and meets the client's needs.

Choice E Reason:
Collaborating with the client to set achievable goals is essential in CBT. The nurse works with the client to establish clear, measurable, and attainable goals that guide the therapy process. These goals provide direction and motivation, and they help the client focus on making specific changes that will improve their mental health.

Choice A Reason:
Passive-aggressive communication involves expressing negative feelings indirectly rather than openly addressing them. It often manifests as sarcasm, backhanded compliments, or subtle digs. In this scenario, the client is directly stating their preference without any indirect negativity, so it is not passive-aggressive.

Choice B Reason:
Aggressive communication is characterized by speaking in a way that violates or disrespects others. It often includes yelling, interrupting, or demeaning language. The client's statement does not display any of these characteristics; instead, it is a straightforward expression of their wish.

Choice C Reason:
Nonassertive communication, also known as passive communication, occurs when individuals fail to express their thoughts or feelings, or they do so without confidence. The client in the garden is clearly stating their desire to plant the sunflower, which is not indicative of a nonassertive pattern.

Choice D Reason:
Assertive communication is the act of expressing one's opinions, feelings, and needs in a clear, direct, and respectful way. It involves standing up for oneself while also considering the rights and feelings of others. The client's statement, "I would really like to plant the sunflower," is a clear, direct expression of their preference, making it an assertive form of communication.