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?”
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) is a potential physical symptom of alcohol withdrawal. When alcohol-dependent individuals suddenly stop or reduce their alcohol intake, it can lead to increased sympathetic nervous system activity, resulting in elevated heart rate.
Choice B rationale:
Tremors (shakes) are common during alcohol withdrawal due to the suppression of the central nervous system by alcohol. Abrupt cessation of alcohol can lead to overactivity in the nervous system, resulting in tremors.
Choice C rationale:
Hallucinations can occur during alcohol withdrawal and are usually visual or tactile in nature. These hallucinations are often referred to as alcoholic hallucinosis and can be distressing for the individual experiencing them.
Choice E rationale:
Seizures can be a severe consequence of alcohol withdrawal. Known as alcohol withdrawal seizures, these episodes can occur within the first 48 hours after cessation of heavy alcohol consumption and are attributed to the hyperexcitability of the central nervous system.
Choice D rationale:
Hypotension (low blood pressure) is not typically associated with alcohol withdrawal. In fact, alcohol withdrawal often leads to an increase in blood pressure and heart rate due to the hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system.
Correct Answer is ["A", "B", "E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Tremors. Rationale: Tremors can be a withdrawal symptom associated with alcohol withdrawal. These tremors are often referred to as "alcohol shakes" and are a result of the central nervous system adapting to the sudden absence of alcohol.
Choice B rationale:
Insomnia. Rationale: Insomnia is a common withdrawal symptom during alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol disrupts sleep patterns, and when a person stops drinking, their sleep cycle may be disturbed, leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Choice C rationale:
Severe hypotension. Rationale: Severe hypotension, or very low blood pressure, is not a prominent withdrawal symptom of alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal can lead to an increase in blood pressure rather than severe hypotension.
Choice D rationale:
Hyperglycemia. Rationale: Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is not a direct withdrawal symptom of alcohol. However, chronic alcohol use can affect blood sugar regulation over time. During acute withdrawal, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is more common due to altered metabolism.
Choice E rationale:
Visual hallucinations. Rationale: This statement is correct. Visual hallucinations can occur during alcohol withdrawal and are often indicative of a more severe withdrawal syndrome known as delirium tremens (DTs). DTs can include visual hallucinations, confusion, agitation, and autonomic hyperactivity.
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