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."

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Using active listening techniques and providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment can promote the client's ability to express their feelings. Many clients facing end-stage illnesses, such as alcoholic cirrhosis, may experience a range of emotions and find it difficult to talk about their illness or impending loss of life. By being present, attentive, and using silence when appropriate, the nurse allows the client the space and time they need to process their thoughts and emotions and feel comfortable expressing their feelings when they are ready.

Incorrect:

Option A may come across as confrontational and judgmental, which can hinder the client's willingness to share their feelings.

Option C may be appropriate if the client requests spiritual or religious support, but it should not be assumed as the primary intervention for promoting emotional expression.

Option D can be seen as dismissive and insensitive to the client's emotional needs, and it may not be helpful in encouraging the client to open up about their feelings.

A. Call for an emergency response from trained personnel. B. Calmly call the client by name and encourage verbal expression of anger. C. Approach the client and firmly say. "Stop. put it down." D. Assist the client to use problem-solving techniques instead of aggression

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The safety of both the client and others is the top priority in this situation. The client's aggressive behavior poses a significant risk, and immediate action is necessary. Calling for an emergency response from trained personnel, such as security or other staff members experienced in handling aggressive behavior, can help ensure the situation is properly managed and de-escalated in a safe manner.

Option B may not be appropriate in this situation, as trying to engage the client in verbal expression of anger while they are in an agitated and aggressive state can potentially escalate the situation further.

Option C is not recommended, as approaching the client in a confrontational manner may further escalate their anger and aggression.

Option D, while it may be beneficial in a different context and when the client is in a more stable state, is not appropriate when the client is actively engaged in aggressive behavior. The focus at this moment should be on ensuring the immediate safety of everyone involved.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with end-stage alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver is hesitant to talk about the illness and the impending loss of life from their alcohol use disorder. Which action by the nurse can promote the client's ability to express their feelings?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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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?