The nurse is working with an adolescent client that is argumentative with staff and peers on the behavioral health unit. Which therapeutic response will be most beneficial for the client to decrease acting out behavior?
“If your behavior continues, we have no choice but to place you in seclusion."
"You have to take this medication to settle you down and stop your behavior."
“I don't know what set you off today but you have to get along with others."
“Let’s go to a quiet area and talk about what is upsetting you."
The Correct Answer is D
Explanation: This response demonstrates the use of therapeutic communication, specifically offering the client an opportunity to express their feelings and concerns in a non-confrontational manner. By suggesting a private and quiet area to talk to, the nurse provides a safe and supportive environment for the client to explore and process their emotions. This approach can help the client feel heard, validated, and understood, which may reduce their need to act out or engage in argumentative behaviors to express their feelings.
The other responses are not as effective or therapeutic:
A. Threatening the client with seclusion is an aggressive approach and may escalate the client's behavior or cause them to feel cornered and defensive, leading to further acting out.
B. Telling the client they have to take medication to stop their behavior does not address the underlying issues that may be causing their behavior. It can also come across as dismissive of the client's feelings and concerns.
C. Saying "I don't know what set you off today but you have to get along with others" may be perceived as dismissive and does not offer the client an opportunity to express their emotions or address their concerns.
In summary, offering a private space to talk and explore the client's feelings in a non-judgmental and supportive manner is the most beneficial therapeutic response to help the adolescent client decrease acting out behaviors and promote positive communication and coping skills.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Aggression is a behavior characterized by hostility, anger, or violent actions toward others or objects. In the scenario described in option B, the client demonstrates aggressive behavior by stomping away from the nurses' station and grabbing a pool cue from another client. This behavior indicates hostility and potential violence towards others, which is a clear example of aggression.
Options A, C, and D do not describe aggressive behavior. Option A describes a client expressing sadness and seeking comfort by hugging a pillow and sobbing. Option C describes a client expressing anger verbally but not exhibiting aggression. Option D describes a client refusing to take medication, which may not necessarily involve aggressive behavior.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Option C demonstrates empathy and active listening. By acknowledging the client's emotions and expressing concern, the nurse creates a safe and supportive environment for the client to share their feelings. This response encourages the client to open up and express what they are going through, allowing the nurse to better understand the situation and provide appropriate care and support.
Options A and D are also empathetic but may not prompt the client to share their feelings or concerns as effectively as Option C.
Option B is not appropriate as it minimizes the client's emotions and may discourage them from expressing their feelings further.
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