A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing auditory hallucinations.
What should the nurse say first?

“I know you hear the voices, but I do not.”

“How often do you hear the voices?”

“What are the voices telling you?”

“The voices are part of your illness.”

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: While acknowledging the client's experience is important, this statement does not immediately address the content of the hallucinations, which could be crucial for assessing the client's safety.

Choice B rationale: Asking how often the client hears the voices is useful information for later, but it is not the immediate priority when first addressing auditory hallucinations.

Choice C rationale: Asking what the voices are telling the client is the priority. This helps the nurse assess if the hallucinations include commands or harmful content, which is essential for determining the client's immediate safety and risk of self-harm or harm to others.

Choice D rationale: Explaining that the voices are part of the client's illness can be useful for long-term understanding, but it does not address the immediate need to assess the content of the hallucinations.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A:

While this response is well-intentioned, it may not be the most therapeutic in this situation. It could be perceived as dismissive of the client's feelings and concerns. Clients with schizophrenia often have difficulty trusting others, and this response could reinforce the client's belief that they are being held against their will.

It's important to acknowledge the client's feelings and concerns, rather than simply stating that the healthcare team is there to help.

Choice B:

This response is the most therapeutic because it uses the technique of reflection. Reflection involves echoing back the client's feelings or thoughts, which can help them feel heard and understood. It can also encourage the client to elaborate on their concerns.

By reflecting the client's statement, the nurse validates their feelings and opens the door for further communication.

Choice C:

This response could be perceived as confrontational or challenging, which could further escalate the client's anxiety. It's generally more helpful to start with a more open-ended question or reflection.

Asking "why" questions can sometimes make people feel defensive or put on the spot.

Choice D:

While relaxation techniques can be helpful for some clients, this response is not appropriate in this situation. It minimizes the client's concerns and does not address their underlying feelings of fear and anxiety.

It's important to validate the client's feelings before suggesting coping strategies.

A. “I tense and release my muscles, starting with my feet.” B. “I sleep in in the mornings.” C. “I think about being on my favorite beach vacation.” D. “I isolate myself in my room for a few hours when things get overwhelming.” E. Social support

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

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a well-established technique for stress reduction. It involves systematically tensing and releasing different muscle groups throughout the body. This process helps to release physical tension, promote relaxation, and decrease feelings of stress and anxiety.

PMR has been shown to be effective in reducing stress and anxiety in various populations, including individuals with chronic pain, anxiety disorders, and sleep difficulties.

It is a simple, safe, and accessible technique that can be practiced independently without any special equipment or training.

Choice B rationale:

While sleeping in can provide temporary relief from stress, it is not considered an adaptive coping strategy in the long term.

Oversleeping can disrupt sleep patterns and circadian rhythms, which can actually worsen stress and anxiety in the long run.

It can also lead to social isolation and decreased productivity, further compounding stress.

Choice C rationale:

While distraction techniques, such as thinking about a favorite vacation, can provide temporary relief from stress, they do not address the underlying causes of stress.

Overreliance on distraction can prevent individuals from developing more effective coping strategies for managing stress in the long term.

Choice D rationale:

Social isolation is generally considered a maladaptive coping strategy. While it may provide temporary relief from overwhelming situations, it can lead to increased feelings of loneliness, disconnection, and rumination.

It can also prevent individuals from seeking support and developing more effective coping strategies.

Choice E rationale:

Social support is a crucial factor in stress management. Connecting with supportive friends and loved ones can provide emotional comfort, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote a sense of belonging.

Positive social interactions can also buffer the negative effects of stress and promote resilience.

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A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing auditory hallucinations. What should the nurse say first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in an acute care mental health facility is sitting with a client who has schizophrenia. The client whispers to the nurse, “I’m being kept in this prison against my will. Please try to get me out.” Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse facilitating a group therapy session is listening to clients discuss their coping strategies when feeling stressed. Which of the following statements indicate adaptive coping? (Select all that apply.)

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

Explanation

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A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing auditory hallucinations.
What should the nurse say first?