The nurse is meeting a family for the first time for family therapy. The husband/father is an accountant and is skeptical of the idea that talking can be helpful. The wife/mother is a teacher who states she is not skillful in conflict resolution. The daughter, age 15, is rebellious and in academic trouble. The son, age 17, is conflicted about where to attend college. According to family systems therapy who would be most likely to be listed as the 'identified patient"?

Choice A Reason:

Engaging in friendly interactions with the client is correct. Developing a therapeutic relationship involves creating a supportive and empathetic connection with the client. Engaging in friendly interactions helps build trust and rapport. This approach fosters a positive environment for communication and collaboration.

Choice B Reason:

Instructing the client on how he should behave is incorrect. Instructing the client on how to behave can be perceived as directive and may hinder the development of a collaborative and trusting relationship.

Choice C Reason:

Setting limits for the relationship is incorrect. While setting boundaries is important, using the term "limits" can convey a sense of restriction. It's crucial to establish appropriate boundaries, but the term "limits" may not promote the openness needed in a therapeutic relationship.

Choice D Reason:

Promoting the use of transference by the client is incorrect. Promoting transference involves encouraging the client to project feelings from past relationships onto the nurse. This is generally not considered a therapeutic approach and may lead to misunderstandings in the therapeutic relationship.

Choice A Reason:

Wife/mother is incorrect. The wife/mother expresses that she is not skillful in conflict resolution, but her concerns are related to her own abilities rather than exhibiting specific problematic behaviors that are disruptive or distressing to the family system.

Choice B Reason:

Daughter is correct. The daughter, who is rebellious and in academic trouble, is most likely to be listed as the "identified patient" because her behavior is presenting visible challenges and concerns. In family systems therapy, addressing and understanding the dynamics surrounding the identified patient can provide insights into the broader family issues and interactions.

Choice C Reason:

Son is incorrect. The son is conflicted about where to attend college, which is a common developmental decision. While it may cause some family stress, it doesn't necessarily indicate the presence of disruptive or problematic behavior warranting the label of "identified patient."

Choice D Reason:

Husband/father is incorrect. The husband/father is skeptical of the idea that talking can be helpful, but skepticism or reluctance to engage in therapy does not necessarily make him the identified patient. His behavior doesn't present as a disruptive symptom within the family.