A client tells the nurse, “I feel bad because my mother does not want me to return home after I leave the hospital.” Which nursing response is most therapeutic?

Your mother seems like an understanding person. I’ll help you approach her.

It’s quite common for clients to feel that way after a lengthy hospitalization.

Why don’t you talk to your mother? You may find out she doesn’t feel that way.

You feel that your mother does not want you to come back home.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A Reason:

While this response attempts to offer support, it makes an assumption about the mother’s understanding without addressing the client’s feelings directly. Therapeutic communication should focus on validating the client’s emotions and encouraging them to express their thoughts and feelings. This response might not fully acknowledge the client’s distress.

Choice B Reason:

This response normalizes the client’s feelings, which can be helpful, but it does not directly address the client’s specific concern. While it is important to reassure the client that their feelings are common, the response should also validate their individual experience and encourage further discussion.

Choice C Reason:

Encouraging the client to talk to their mother is a proactive suggestion, but it may not be the most therapeutic initial response. The client might not be ready to take that step, and the nurse should first focus on understanding and validating the client’s feelings before suggesting actions. This response could be more appropriate as a follow-up after the client’s feelings have been explored.

Choice D Reason:

This response is the most therapeutic because it uses reflective listening to validate the client’s feelings. By restating what the client has expressed, the nurse shows empathy and encourages the client to explore their emotions further. This technique helps the client feel heard and understood, which is crucial in therapeutic communication.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Pseudo-Parkinsonian side effects, also known as drug-induced parkinsonism, can occur with the use of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol. These side effects include symptoms such as rigidity, bradykinesia, tremor, and postural instability. However, the description of the client’s neck arched sharply backward is more indicative of an acute dystonic reaction rather than pseudo-Parkinsonian side effects. Pseudo-Parkinsonian symptoms typically develop more gradually and do not present with such dramatic posturing.

Choice B Reason:

While some side effects of haloperidol can be temporary and may disappear after several days, the acute dystonic reaction described in the scenario requires immediate intervention. Acute dystonic reactions are characterized by sudden, severe muscle contractions that can be painful and potentially dangerous if they involve the airway. Therefore, it is crucial to address this reaction promptly rather than waiting for it to resolve on its own.

Choice C Reason:

Increasing the dosage of haloperidol in response to the described symptoms would likely exacerbate the situation. The client’s symptoms are not indicative of worsening psychotic behavior but rather an adverse reaction to the medication. Increasing the dosage could lead to more severe side effects and complications. The appropriate response is to treat the acute dystonic reaction and reassess the medication regimen.

Choice D Reason:

An acute dystonic reaction is a known side effect of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol. It involves sudden, severe muscle contractions, often affecting the neck, face, and back. This reaction can be distressing and requires immediate treatment with anticholinergic medications such as benztropine or diphenhydramine. Prompt intervention can relieve the symptoms and prevent further complications.

A. Restating B. Giving advice C. Maintaining neutral responses D. Asking the client, “Why?” E. Listening

Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Restating involves repeating what the client has said in order to show understanding and to encourage them to continue talking. This technique helps to clarify the client’s thoughts and feelings, ensuring that the nurse accurately understands the client’s message. It also demonstrates active listening and empathy, which are crucial components of therapeutic communication.

Choice B Reason:

Giving advice is generally considered a non-therapeutic communication technique. It can imply that the nurse knows best and can undermine the client’s autonomy and decision-making abilities. Instead of giving advice, therapeutic communication focuses on helping clients explore their own thoughts and feelings to arrive at their own conclusions and solutions.

Choice C Reason:

Maintaining neutral responses involves responding to the client in a way that does not convey judgment or bias. This technique helps to create a safe and supportive environment where the client feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. Neutral responses can include nodding, making non-committal sounds like “mm-hmm,” and using phrases like “I see” or “Tell me more”.

Choice D Reason:

Asking the client “Why?” can be perceived as confrontational or judgmental, which can hinder open communication. It may make the client feel defensive or uncomfortable. Instead, therapeutic communication techniques involve asking open-ended questions that encourage the client to express themselves without feeling judged.

Choice E Reason:

Listening is one of the most fundamental therapeutic communication techniques. It involves giving the client your full attention, showing interest in what they are saying, and responding appropriately to their concerns. Active listening helps to build trust and rapport, making the client feel heard and understood.

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A client tells the nurse, “I feel bad because my mother does not want me to return home after I leave the hospital.” Which nursing response is most therapeutic?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Forty-eight hours after starting haloperidol, the client is observed standing by the nurse’s station with his neck arched sharply backward. The nurse recognizes that the client:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse working on a mental health unit reviews therapeutic and non-therapeutic communication techniques with a student nurse. Which of the following are therapeutic communication techniques? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

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