Which of the following is an example of an adverse childhood experience (ACE)?

A. "I am trying to help you, but you haven't told me why you are overwhelmed yet." This response sounds dismissive and places responsibility on the client, which may increase their frustration.

B. "Have you tried to avoid the situations that are causing you so much stress?" Avoidance is not a healthy coping mechanism and does not encourage the client to express their feelings.

C. "Tell me about what you are doing to reduce or cope with your stress." While this encourages self-reflection, it does not validate the client’s distress or express empathy.

D. "I would like to help you. Can you tell me more about what you are feeling?" This response shows empathy, offers support, and invites the client to express their emotions, which are key aspects of therapeutic communication.

A. "Competency and capacity are often discussed as being the same thing, but they are different." Competency is a legal determination made by a court, while capacity is a clinical assessment made by healthcare providers. Although they are related, they are distinct concepts.

B. "Capacity and competency are the same thing and can be used interchangeably." This is incorrect because capacity refers to a person's ability to make a decision at a specific moment, while competency is a broader legal determination regarding decision-making ability.

C. "A client who has been deemed legally incompetent can provide informed consent for treatment." A legally incompetent client cannot provide informed consent. Instead, a legally designated surrogate (guardian or power of attorney) makes medical decisions on their behalf.

D. "Competency and capacity are rarely a concern when caring for clients who have a mental illness." Mental illness can impact decision-making capacity, making assessments crucial. Competency and capacity evaluations are common in mental health settings, especially for clients with cognitive impairment or psychosis.