A nurse is Caring for a client who is extremely suspicious of the nursing staff and other clients. Which of the following nursing approaches is appropriate when establishing a therapeutic relationship with this client?
Disclose some personal information to the client to demonstrate approachability.
Approach the client frequently throughout the day for brief interactions.
Adopt a neutral attitude when providing care.
Wait for the client to initiate interaction.
The Correct Answer is C
Sharing personal information can blur the professional boundaries and might not be effective in reducing the client's suspicion. It's important to maintain a professional demeanor while building trust.
B) Approach the client frequently throughout the day for brief interactions:
While it's important to establish a presence and provide support, approaching the client too frequently might increase their discomfort and reinforce their suspicion. It's better to allow the client some personal space while ensuring they know you are available when needed.
C) Adopt a neutral attitude when providing care.
Explanation:
When dealing with a client who is extremely suspicious, it's important for the nurse to approach the situation with a neutral attitude. A neutral attitude helps to build trust and minimize any potential triggers for the client's suspicion. This approach creates a non-threatening environment where the client may feel more comfortable and gradually begin to open up.
D) Wait for the client to initiate interaction:
While giving the client space is important, waiting for them to initiate interaction might prolong the development of a therapeutic relationship. Clients who are extremely suspicious might have difficulty initiating interactions due to their concerns.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "You are being unreasonable, and I will not call your doctor at this hour."
This response is confrontational and dismissive of the client's request. It does not promote a therapeutic interaction and might escalate the situation.
B. "Go back to your room, and I'll try to get in touch with your doctor."
This response might temporarily calm the client, but it’s misleading if the nurse does not intend to call the doctor. It also avoids addressing the client's immediate emotional needs and could result in a loss of trust if the nurse doesn’t follow through.
C. "You must be very upset about something."
This is the most therapeutic response. It acknowledges the client’s feelings without judgment and opens up communication. It allows the nurse to explore the client’s concerns, which is essential in providing appropriate care and support in a psychiatric setting.
D. "I can't call a doctor in the middle of the night unless it's an emergency."
While this statement is factually correct, it can come across as dismissive and could escalate the client's agitation. It does not acknowledge the client's emotions and might make the client feel that their concerns are not being taken seriously.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The highest priority assessment in this situation is to determine if the client has psychotic thinking. Psychotic thinking can indicate a severe mental health condition that requires immediate attention and intervention. If the client is experiencing psychotic symptoms, they might be at risk of harming themselves or others. Identifying and addressing psychotic thinking is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of the client and those around them.
B. Asking the client to identify the cause of the crisis.
While understanding the cause of the crisis is important for providing appropriate care, it is not the highest priority. Psychotic thinking or risk of harm takes precedence over understanding the cause.
C. Identifying the client's coping skills.
Coping skills are important for managing the crisis and promoting the client's well-being, but assessing for psychotic thinking and immediate safety concerns comes before evaluating coping skills.
D. Identifying the client's support systems.
Support systems are valuable for the client's overall recovery, but they are not as time-sensitive as assessing for psychotic thinking or imminent safety risks. Identifying support systems can come after addressing the immediate concerns.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
