The nurse is performing an admission assessment for a client admitted to the behavioral health unit. Which social/cultural category will the nurse document that may be contributing to the client's degree of mental illness? Select all that apply. (Select All that Apply.)

A. “I can see you are anxious. Let's stop for a minute."This option interrupts the exposure process. In systematic desensitization, the goal is to continue exposure while employing relaxation techniques, so stopping would not promote the gradual reduction of anxiety.

B. “Use the deep breathing techniques we practiced yesterday."This statement encourages the client to utilize a relaxation technique (deep breathing) while facing their fear, which is the core of systematic desensitization. By practicing relaxation in the presence of the feared stimulus, the client learns to associate the stimulus with calmness rather than anxiety.

C. "What is the worst that will happen if you confront this fear?"This option uses a form of cognitive restructuring, which is more aligned with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) rather than systematic desensitization. This focuses on changing thought patterns rather than gradually exposing the person to their fear while inducing relaxation.

D. “Tell me how you are feeling right now."While it is important for the client to reflect on their feelings, this option does not promote relaxation or directly help the client manage their anxiety response during exposure. It focuses more on emotional processing rather than applying the desensitization technique.

The client attributes life's problems to being without family support: Lack of family support can significantly impact an individual's mental health and well-being. It can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and a lack of emotional support, potentially contributing to the development or exacerbation of mental illness.

The client is unable to find work and does not have enough money for housing: Financial instability, unemployment, and inadequate housing are social determinants of mental health. These factors can contribute to stress, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness, which may impact the client's mental well-being.

The client states that they are discriminated against due to their country of origin: Experiencing discrimination based on one's country of origin can lead to feelings of marginalization, social exclusion, and psychological distress. Discrimination is a social factor that can contribute to the development of mental illness or exacerbate existing mental health conditions.

The client reports not belonging anywhere and is without family support: Feeling a lack of belonging or a sense of disconnectedness can have a negative impact on mental health. It can contribute to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and depression. Additionally, lacking family support further compounds the client's sense of not belonging, potentially affecting their mental well-being.

Incorrect:

The client reports being unable to find anything meaningful within their life: While this statement suggests a lack of purpose or fulfillment in the client's life, it does not specifically address social or cultural factors that could contribute to their mental illness. It may be important to explore further during the assessment to identify underlying issues, but it does not fall under the social/cultural category.