A nurse is caring for a client who has delirium. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Response prevention is a technique often used in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This approach involves preventing the client from engaging in the compulsive behavior they typically perform in response to an anxiety-producing obsession. While effective for OCD, this technique is not typically used for treating specific phobias like the fear of elevators.

Choice B reason: Systematic desensitization is an effective behavioral strategy for decreasing anxiety related to specific phobias. This method involves gradually exposing the client to the feared object or situation—in this case, elevators—in a controlled and progressive manner while teaching relaxation techniques. By slowly and systematically confronting the phobia, the client can learn to reduce their anxiety response over time. This approach helps them manage their fear more effectively and builds their confidence in facing the phobic situation.

Choice C reason: Thought stopping is a cognitive-behavioral technique used to interrupt and prevent distressing thoughts. The client is trained to recognize these thoughts and use a specific action or command, such as saying "Stop" out loud, to halt the negative thought process. While this technique can be helpful for managing anxiety and intrusive thoughts, it is not the primary behavioral strategy for treating specific phobias.

Choice D reason: Flooding, also known as exposure therapy, involves exposing the client to the phobic situation in an intense and prolonged manner until their anxiety diminishes. This approach can be effective but is often overwhelming and can cause significant distress. It requires careful supervision and is not typically the first-line treatment for specific phobias due to the potential for causing trauma or exacerbating the fear.

Choice A reason: While this statement might be true, it can come across as dismissive or invalidating the adolescent's feelings. The nurse's goal should be to listen and understand the adolescent's perspective, rather than making assumptions about the parents' intentions.

Choice B reason: This response opens up a conversation about the adolescent's feelings and experiences regarding their relationship with their parents. It shows empathy and a willingness to understand the adolescent's perspective, which can help build trust and rapport. By exploring the relationship, the nurse can gather more information and provide appropriate support and guidance.

Choice C reason: Asking "Why do you think your parents are hard to please?" can come across as confrontational or judgmental. It might make the adolescent feel defensive or misunderstood. The nurse should focus on creating a supportive environment for the adolescent to express their feelings without feeling judged.

Choice D reason: Telling the adolescent that "Things will get better as time goes on" can seem dismissive and may not address the immediate concerns and feelings the adolescent is experiencing. It is important for the nurse to validate the adolescent's feelings and offer support and understanding in the present moment.