A nurse is caring for a client who states, "I have got to get out of this hospital! They have found my address and are coming for my family!" The nurse responds, "Don't worry, no one will harm your family." Which of the following types of communication breakdown does the nurse's response represent?

Offering false reassurance.

Offering sympathy.

Providing a passive response.

Showing disapproval.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A Reason:
Offering false reassurance occurs when a nurse or healthcare provider dismisses a patient's concerns with general comforting statements without addressing the reality of the situation or the patient's feelings. In this case, the nurse's response of "Don't worry, no one will harm your family" is an attempt to alleviate the patient's anxiety without acknowledging the patient's fear or providing a realistic plan to ensure the safety of the patient's family. This type of communication can undermine trust and prevent the patient from feeling heard and supported.

Choice B Reason:
Offering sympathy involves sharing feelings of pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune. While the nurse's response may seem sympathetic, it does not directly express shared emotions or an understanding of the patient's distress. Therefore, it does not represent offering sympathy as a communication breakdown in this context.

Choice C Reason:
Providing a passive response would involve the nurse not actively engaging with the patient's concerns or failing to provide any response. Since the nurse in the scenario does respond to the patient's statement, this does not constitute a passive response.

Choice D Reason:
Showing disapproval would involve the nurse expressing judgment or criticism of the patient's feelings or actions. The nurse's response does not contain elements of judgment or criticism; rather, it is an attempt to reassure the patient, albeit falsely.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
This statement reflects an attempt to de-escalate a potential conflict by taking responsibility for an action that may have caused distress. However, it does not directly invite dialogue or understanding between family members. Effective communication in family therapy aims to foster open and empathetic dialogue, where members feel heard and understood.

Choice B Reason:
Asking for clarification on emotions connected to specific events is a hallmark of effective communication. This statement opens the door for the family member to share their feelings and for others to understand the perspective behind the emotions. It encourages a non-confrontational exchange of thoughts and feelings, which is essential in family therapy to promote healing and understanding.

Choice C Reason:
This statement is an example of a threat, which can lead to increased tension and conflict within the family. It is counterproductive to the goals of family therapy, which include improving communication and resolving conflicts in a constructive manner. Effective communication should be free of coercion and intimidation.

Choice D Reason:
While this statement may reflect a feeling or concern within the family dynamic, it is framed as an accusation rather than an invitation to discuss the behavior or its impact. Effective communication involves expressing one's own feelings and needs without making judgments about others' actions.

A. Blunted affect. B. Delusions. C. Poor judgment. D. Anhedonia. E. Hallucinations.

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

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Blunted affect refers to a significant reduction in the intensity of emotional expression. In the context of schizophrenia, a person with blunted affect may show less facial expression, have diminished expressive gestures, and a monotone voice. This symptom reflects a decrease in the expression of emotions, which is characteristic of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Choice B Reason:
Delusions are a type of positive symptom of schizophrenia, not a negative one. They are false beliefs that are not based in reality, such as thinking one has superpowers or is being persecuted. Delusions represent an excess or distortion of normal functions.

Choice C Reason:
Poor judgment is not typically classified as a negative symptom of schizophrenia. It can be a consequence of cognitive impairments or positive symptoms like delusions but is not a negative symptom itself.

Choice D Reason:
Anhedonia is the inability to feel pleasure and is a core negative symptom of schizophrenia. Individuals with anhedonia may not enjoy activities that they used to find pleasurable, which can significantly impact their quality of life.

Choice E Reason:
Hallucinations, like delusions, are considered positive symptoms of schizophrenia. They involve experiencing sensations that are not present, such as hearing voices or seeing things that others do not see.

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A nurse is caring for a client who states, "I have got to get out of this hospital! They have found my address and are coming for my family!" The nurse responds, "Don't worry, no one will harm your family." Which of the following types of communication breakdown does the nurse's response represent?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is leading a group family therapy session for a mother, father, and two adolescent siblings. Which of the following statements should the nurse recognize as an example of effective communication among family members?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse in a mental health clinic is conducting a staff education session on schizophrenia. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse identify as negative symptoms? (Select all that apply.)

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

Explanation

A nurse at a college campus mental health counseling center is caring for a student who just failed an examination. The student spends the session berating the teacher and the course. The nurse should recognize this behavior as which of the following defense mechanisms?

A nurse is developing a care plan for a newly admitted client who has schizophrenia and experiences frequent hallucinations and paranoid delusions. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

A nurse is leading a group therapy session for clients who are newly diagnosed with cancer. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

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A charge nurse is providing an in-service to a group of nurses about the benefits of an interprofessional team. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

A nursing instructor teaches students about the purpose of using the nursing process in the care of psychiatric clients. Which of the following statements by a student indicates that learning has occurred?

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