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:

Making an evaluation about the patient's problem is incorrect. Making an evaluation may involve the nurse imposing their judgment on the patient's situation, which can hinder effective communication.

Choice B Reason:

Restating the main feelings or thoughts the patient has expressed is correct. Restating the main feelings or thoughts the patient has expressed is a therapeutic communication technique known as paraphrasing. This technique demonstrates active listening and shows the patient that the nurse is paying attention to their concerns. It allows the nurse to reflect back to the patient what has been said, confirming understanding and encouraging further communication.

Choice C Reason:

Saying "I understand what you're saying" is incorrect. While expressing understanding is important, simply stating "I understand" might be perceived as superficial if not accompanied by concrete examples or restatement of the patient's expressed thoughts and feelings.

Choice D Reason:

Offering a leading question such as "And then what happened?", is incorrect. Asking a leading question can be perceived as directive and may steer the conversation in a particular direction. It might not convey the same level of active listening as restating the patient's own words and feelings.

Choice A Reason:

"Now that we've discussed your reasons for being here and how often we will meet, I'd like to talk about what we will do at the time of your discharge." This option seems to introduce the topic of termination prematurely, especially if the client's issues and goals haven't been adequately addressed yet.

Choice B Reason:

"You are being discharged today, so I'd like to bring up the subject of termination, which includes discussing your time here and summarizing what coping skills you have attained."This option presents termination at the time of discharge without prior discussion or collaboration with the client.

Choice C Reason:

"Now that we are working on your problem-solving skills and the behaviors you'd like to change, I'd like to bring up the issue of termination." In therapeutic relationships, termination is an essential phase that involves discussing the ending of the relationship and summarizing the progress made. Bringing up the topic of termination when actively working on the client's goals and issues is appropriate. It allows for a collaborative discussion about the achievements, future plans, and coping strategies that the client has developed during the therapeutic process.

Choice D Reason:

"I haven't met my new patient yet, but am working through my feelings of anxiety in dealing with a parent who wanted to kill herself." This statement is not related to the discussion of termination in the ongoing nurse-patient relationship.