A client has made the decision to leave her alcoholic husband and reports feeling very depressed. Which of the following is a non-therapeutic statement by the nurse that demonstrates sympathy?

"You are feeling very depressed. I felt the same way when I decided to leave my husband.”

"I can understand you are feeling depressed. It was a difficult decision. I'll sit with you.”

"You seem depressed. It was a difficult decision to make. Would you like to talk about it?”

"I know this is a difficult time for you. Would you like medication for anxiety?”

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

The statement "You are feeling very depressed. I felt the same way when I decided to leave my husband." is a non-therapeutic statement that demonstrates sympathy. The nurse is sharing personal experiences, which can shift the focus from the client's feelings to the nurse's own experiences.

Choice B rationale:

The statement "I can understand you are feeling depressed. It was a difficult decision. I'll sit with you." is a therapeutic response that offers support and empathy without diverting the focus to the nurse's experiences. The nurse's willingness to sit with the client is a positive aspect of this response.

Choice C rationale:

The statement "You seem depressed. It was a difficult decision to make. Would you like to talk about it?" is a therapeutic response that acknowledges the client's feelings, offers support, and invites further conversation. This response encourages the client to express themselves.

Choice D rationale:

The statement "I know this is a difficult time for you. Would you like medication for anxiety?" acknowledges the client's difficulties but immediately offers medication as a solution. While medication can be a valid option, it's important to prioritize open communication and emotional support before suggesting medication.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Ideas of reference involve the belief that external events, objects, or people have a specific and unusual significance directly related to oneself. In this scenario, the client with schizophrenia believes that the group's laughter is directed at them, indicating an exaggerated sense of personal relevance in the situation.

Choice B rationale:

Erotomania is characterized by the delusional belief that someone, usually of higher social status, is in love with the individual. This choice is not applicable to the situation described, where the client's reaction is centered around perceived mockery rather than romantic interest.

Choice C rationale:

Grandeur involves inflated feelings of importance, power, knowledge, or identity. It does not align with the situation where the client perceives ridicule and responds defensively to the group's laughter.

Choice D rationale:

Flight of ideas is a thought disorder characterized by rapid and unconnected shifts in thoughts, often associated with mania. It is not relevant to the client's reaction to the group's laughter.

A. Assess the client's need for assistance with ADLS. B. Ask the client to create her own schedule of daily activities. C. Teach the client to use passive communication when interacting with others. D. Limit the client's involvement in unit activities.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is choice A: "Assess the client's need for assistance with ADLS."

Choice A rationale:

Safety is the top priority when caring for a client with major depressive disorder. Assessing the client's ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLS) helps determine her level of functioning and any potential risks. Ensuring that the client can meet her basic self-care needs is essential for her well-being.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the client to create her own schedule of daily activities can be a valuable intervention, but it should come after addressing safety concerns. Choice A takes precedence as it directly relates to the client's immediate well-being.

Choice C rationale:

Teaching the client to use passive communication is not appropriate. Passive communication may hinder the client's ability to express her needs and advocate for herself. Assertive communication skills are more beneficial for her overall mental health.

Choice D rationale:

Isolating the client from unit activities may exacerbate her feelings of depression and loneliness. Encouraging engagement with appropriate unit activities and social interactions can contribute to her sense of belonging and aid in her recovery.

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A client has made the decision to leave her alcoholic husband and reports feeling very depressed. Which of the following is a non-therapeutic statement by the nurse that demonstrates sympathy?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is planning care for a client newly admitted with major depressive disorder. After ensuring safety, which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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