A client with depression does not want to communicate with friends, uses television watching as a means of escaping responsibilities, and describes the inability to handle personal circumstances. Which coping strategy should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Concentrate on and ventilate emotions when distressed.
Relax and reduce the amount of effort to solve the problem.
Shift attention from self to the needs and requests of others.
Focus on small achievable tasks, not taxing problems.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Ventilating emotions when distressed may be helpful in some situations, but it may not directly address the client's avoidance behavior or assist in building coping skills to manage responsibilities.
B. Relaxing and reducing effort to solve problems may exacerbate feelings of helplessness and avoidance, rather than promoting active coping strategies.
C. Shifting attention from self to the needs and requests of others may be beneficial in certain contexts, but it may not directly address the client's depressive symptoms or avoidance behavior.
D. Focusing on small achievable tasks allows the client to experience a sense of accomplishment and mastery, which can help counteract feelings of helplessness and build confidence in managing responsibilities. This approach aligns with behavioral activation techniques commonly used in the treatment of depression.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While the loss of a significant other can be a risk factor for suicide, retired older males may have developed coping mechanisms over time that could mitigate the risk.
B. While working in a pediatric emergency department can be stressful, it does not necessarily indicate a higher risk for suicide compared to other factors such as personal life stressors or mental health issues.
C. Adolescents experiencing significant life changes such as parental divorce are at increased risk for suicide due to the emotional upheaval and lack of coping skills typical of this age group.
D. While being a single working mother with three preschool-aged children can be stressful, it does not inherently indicate a higher risk for suicide compared to other factors such as social support, coping mechanisms, and mental health status.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
- Choice A Rationale: Determining the type and size of the locks does not address the client's anxiety or the behavior that is impacting their daily functioning. This action might inadvertently reinforce the client's focus on the locks rather than addressing the underlying issue.
- Choice B Rationale: Planning a list of activities to be carried out daily can help the client establish a routine, which may reduce anxiety and the need for repetitive checking. This approach encourages the client to focus on the day's tasks and can provide a sense of control and accomplishment.
- Choice C Rationale: Discussing checking the time frequently does not directly address the client's repetitive behavior or the associated anxiety. While time management may be part of a broader treatment plan, it is not the most immediate action the nurse should take.
- Choice D Rationale: Ask the client why the locks are checked so frequently is not therapeutic and may put the client on the defensive. Clients with obsessive-compulsive behaviors often cannot explain why they perform rituals, as the behavior is driven by anxiety rather than logic. Asking "why" may increase frustration without helping to address the behavior.
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