You are seeing a family for family therapy. Arjun and Kate are having difficulty in their marriage since their oldest daughter left for college. Whenever there is a fight, Kate vents her frustrations to her younger son. According to family systems therapy, what behavior is Kate and Arjun engaging in to stabilize their relationship?

Choice A Reason:

"If it weren't for you and the hours we've spent talking, I don't think I would be on my way to getting my anxiety under control." While this statement acknowledges the importance of the nurse-patient relationship in helping with anxiety, it might imply a somewhat dependent stance. The ideal therapeutic relationship encourages patients to gain skills and tools to manage their issues independently.

Choice B Reason:

"I appreciate the time you spent with me. I have a better understanding of what I can do to manage my problem." This statement reflects the patient's acknowledgment of the nurse's support and guidance, resulting in a positive impact on the patient's understanding and ability to manage their concerns. It emphasizes the constructive nature of the nurse-patient relationship and the effectiveness of the interactions in addressing the patient's needs.

Choice C Reason:

"I really need to talk with you. You always give me good advice about how to address my anger issues." While seeking support and advice from the nurse is positive, the emphasis on always receiving good advice might suggest a more directive approach rather than collaborative exploration and problem-solving, which is often a goal in therapeutic relationships.

Choice D Reason:

"You've been kind to me when I was at a low point. Knowing you've had low points too was such a help. “While mutual understanding and empathy are crucial in the nurse-patient relationship, the statement may focus more on the nurse's experiences rather than the patient's progress or understanding. The primary focus should be on the patient's needs and growth.

Choice A Reason:

Triage and stabilization of the acute symptoms are a priority describes the focus of psychiatric emergency care. Psychiatric emergency care focuses on the rapid assessment, triage, and stabilization of individuals experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms or crises. The primary goal is to address immediate safety concerns, stabilize the individual's condition, and determine the appropriate level of care or intervention. This may involve crisis intervention, brief assessment, and referral to appropriate services.

Choice B Reason:

A nurse visits one to three times a week to assess for extreme agitation does not describe the focus of psychiatric emergency care. This describes a more routine or outpatient assessment schedule rather than the urgent and immediate focus of psychiatric emergency care.

Choice C Reason:

Overnight short-term observations are 1 to 3 days in duration does not describe the focus of psychiatric emergency care. This refers to a short-term observation period, which might occur in various psychiatric settings, but it does not specifically address the urgency of psychiatric emergencies.

Choice D Reason:

Antipsychotic medications are administered does not describe the focus of psychiatric emergency care. Administering antipsychotic medications is a treatment approach that may be part of the overall psychiatric care plan, but it does not specifically capture the immediate triage and stabilization focus of psychiatric emergency care.