A nurse in a mental health facility is caring for a client who is upset about the loss of privileges due to repetitive negative behavior. Which of the following statements by the nurse demonstrates the effective use of assertive communication?
"Why did you make the choice to behave negatively?”
"You need to calm down and forgive me before discussing this matter any further.”
"You were made aware of the consequences of negative behavior so you better go to your room.”
"I understand that you are angry. However, I followed the appropriate protocol.”
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
This response uses a confrontational tone and places blame on the client for their behavior, which is not an example of assertive communication. It can potentially escalate the situation and hinder effective communication.
Choice B rationale:
This statement is authoritarian in nature, using phrases like "you need to" and "forgive me," which can further upset the client and create a power struggle. It lacks empathy and understanding, making it ineffective for assertive communication.
Choice C rationale:
While this response acknowledges the consequences of the client's negative behavior, it uses commanding language ("you better go to your room"), which can be perceived as aggressive and may escalate the situation instead of facilitating effective communication.
Choice D rationale:
This statement is the most effective example of assertive communication. It acknowledges the client's feelings ("I understand that you are angry") while also asserting the nurse's adherence to protocol. This response demonstrates empathy, understanding, and a willingness to address the client's emotions in a non-confrontational manner.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Ask the client direct questions about the hallucination.
Choice A rationale:
Asking direct questions about the hallucination helps the nurse understand the client’s experience and assess the content and intensity of the hallucinations. This approach also allows the nurse to provide appropriate support and interventions.
Choice B rationale:
Acting as if the hallucination is real can reinforce the client’s distorted perception of reality, which is not therapeutic. The nurse should acknowledge the client’s experience without validating the hallucination as real.
Choice C rationale:
Telling the client to go to their room and that the hallucinations should go away is dismissive and does not address the client’s immediate needs. It is important to engage with the client and provide support rather than dismiss their experience.
Choice D rationale:
Instructing the client to argue with the voices can increase the client’s distress and is not a recommended therapeutic approach. Instead, the nurse should help the client find ways to cope with and manage the hallucinations.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Answer: c. Document the client's verbatim statements.
Here's why the other options are wrong:
- a. Ask the client for permission to take photographs:While photographs may be collected as evidence later, it should not be the first priority. The priority is to focus on patient care and emotional well-being.
- b. Provide community sexual assault support contacts:Offering support resources is important, but documenting the details of the assault is crucial for forensic and legal purposes, and should come first.
- d. Determine any physical signs of injury:Looking for physical injuries is important, but documenting the client's account should come first. This ensures the client's narrative is captured accurately and can be referred to later.
Documenting the client's verbatim statements is the most important initial action because:
- It preserves the client's account of the assault in their own words.
- It allows for accurate reporting and investigation.
- It can be used as evidence in legal proceedings.
Here are some supporting points:
- The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN):"Law enforcement will need to take a detailed statement about the assault, and a medical professional will likely perform a physical exam. Be prepared to answer questions about what happened." [1]
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline:"Law enforcement will want to get a statement from you as soon as possible after the assault. Try to remember the details of the assault as clearly as you can." [2]
In conclusion, while all the other options are important aspects of caring for a sexual assault survivor, documenting the client's verbatim statements is the most critical initial action for a nurse to take in the emergency department setting.
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