A nurse is caring for a client in a mental health setting. During the working phase of a therapeutic relationship, which action by the nurse would best help the client to explore problems?

Identifying possible solutions for the client's problems

Encouraging the client to clarify feelings and behavior

Referring the client to a self-help group

Comparing past and present coping strategies

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Identifying possible solutions for the client's problems:
While identifying possible solutions is an important aspect of problem-solving and goal-setting in therapy, it is not the primary focus during the working phase of a therapeutic relationship. The focus is more on exploring and understanding the client's problems, feelings, and behaviors before moving on to generating and evaluating potential solutions.

B. Encouraging the client to clarify feelings and behavior.
During the working phase of a therapeutic relationship, the nurse's role is to facilitate the exploration of the client's problems, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Encouraging the client to clarify their feelings and behaviors helps them gain insight into their challenges, triggers, and coping mechanisms, which is essential for problem exploration and resolution. This action promotes self-awareness, reflection, and deeper understanding of the issues at hand, leading to more meaningful discussions and therapeutic progress.

C. Referring the client to a self-help group:
Referring the client to a self-help group can be beneficial for ongoing support, peer connection, and learning from others' experiences. However, during the working phase of a therapeutic relationship, the emphasis is on individual exploration, understanding, and processing of problems within the therapeutic context before considering external resources like self-help groups.

D. Comparing past and present coping strategies:
Comparing past and present coping strategies can provide valuable insights into the client's progress, strengths, and areas for growth. However, this action is more relevant to the assessment and evaluation phases of therapy rather than the working phase focused on exploring and addressing current problems and challenges.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Abstract message: Abstract messages involve conveying ideas or concepts that are not directly observable or tangible. In the scenario described, the client's statement about their marriage being great and usually agreeing on everything is an abstract message as it expresses an idea or perception.

B. Concrete message: Concrete messages are specific and observable behaviors or statements that are clear and direct. The observation of the client's foot moving continuously and twirling a shirt button represents concrete behaviors that are directly observable.

C. Incongruent message: Incongruent messages occur when verbal and nonverbal communication do not align or are contradictory. In the scenario, if the client's verbal statement about the great marriage contrasts with their fidgeting behavior (foot movement, twirling button), it would indicate an incongruent message.

D. Congruent Message: Congruent messages occur when verbal and nonverbal communication align and support each other. If the client's verbal statement about the great marriage is supported by calm and relaxed body language, it would indicate a congruent message.

A. Individual psychotherapy B. Reality Therapy C. Cognitive Therapy D. Behavioral therapy

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Individual psychotherapy: Individual psychotherapy typically focuses on exploring and addressing individual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors through therapeutic techniques such as talk therapy. It does not specifically involve the use of rewards or consequences for behavior modification, as seen in the scenario of giving tickets for good behavior.

B. Reality Therapy: Reality Therapy, developed by William Glasser, emphasizes personal responsibility and choices. It involves setting specific goals and evaluating behaviors in relation to these goals. In the context of the scenario, giving tickets for good behavior and not giving them for poor behavior aligns with Reality Therapy's focus on consequences and choices.

C. Cognitive Therapy: Cognitive Therapy focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors. While it may incorporate behavioral techniques, such as behavioral activation, it primarily targets cognitive processes rather than directly using rewards or consequences for behavior modification.

D. Behavioral therapy: Behavioral therapy, including approaches like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), focuses on modifying behaviors through reinforcement (positive or negative) and shaping behavior using rewards or consequences. Giving tickets for good behavior and withholding them for poor behavior reflects a behavioral approach to therapy.

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A nurse is caring for a client in a mental health setting. During the working phase of a therapeutic relationship, which action by the nurse would best help the client to explore problems?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The client says, "My marriage is just great. My spouse and I usually agree on everything." The nurse observes the clients foot moving continuously as the client twirls a shirt button. What type of communication is the client presenting?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client in a children's mental health behavioral center says, "I got five tickets today!" The nurse knows giving tickets to children for good behavior and not giving them for poor behavior is which type of therapy?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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