The parents of a young adult diagnosed with schizophrenia are providing care for the client in their home. During a home visit, the parents state, “it’s been so difficult taking care of our child. We need a break. But our child needs constant supervision.” Which would be appropriate for the nurse to suggest?

Choice A reason:
The 24-year-old only being the client would imply that the therapy session is focused solely on the individual issues of the 24-year-old. However, the context of the therapy session, which includes multiple family members, suggests that the focus is on addressing family dynamics and conflicts. Family therapy typically involves working with the entire family unit to improve relationships and resolve conflicts, rather than focusing on a single individual.

Choice B reason:
The entire family being the client is the correct answer because family therapy aims to address issues within the family system as a whole. By involving the 24-year-old, his sister, his mother, and the mother’s live-in boyfriend, the therapy session is designed to explore and resolve conflicts that affect the entire family. This approach recognizes that individual issues are often interconnected with family dynamics, and addressing these dynamics can lead to more effective and lasting solutions.

Choice C reason:
The 24-year-old and his mother being the clients would limit the scope of the therapy to the relationship between these two individuals. While this might address some aspects of the family conflict, it would not provide a comprehensive approach to resolving issues that involve other family members, such as the sister and the mother’s live-in boyfriend. Family therapy is most effective when all relevant members are included in the process.

Choice D reason:
The sister, mother, and 24-year-old being the clients would exclude the mother’s live-in boyfriend, who is also part of the family dynamic. Excluding any family member who is involved in the conflict can limit the effectiveness of the therapy. Family therapy aims to include all relevant members to fully understand and address the issues affecting the family as a whole. Therefore, this option is not as comprehensive as involving the entire family.

Choice A reason:

“It is now time for you to bathe. Do you want to wear the red or green shirt?” This statement is therapeutic as it provides clear instructions and offers the client a choice, promoting autonomy and cooperation. It addresses the need for hygiene in a respectful and supportive manner.

Choice B reason:

“Do you really think it is okay not to bathe? What is going on with you?” This statement is confrontational and judgmental. It may make the client feel defensive or ashamed, which can hinder the therapeutic relationship and the client’s willingness to engage in self-care.

Choice C reason:

“This is it! You are getting a bath! There are three of us here to bathe you!” This statement is coercive and does not respect the client’s autonomy. Forcing the client to bathe without their consent can escalate the situation and damage trust between the client and the nurse.

Choice D reason:

“I’m going to ignore your lack of self-care because it is an aspect of the disorder.” Ignoring the client’s hygiene issues is not therapeutic. While it is important to understand that self-care deficits can be part of the disorder, the nurse should still address these issues in a supportive and respectful manner.