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:
Taking steps to prevent the client from verbalizing delusional thoughts is not therapeutic. It can lead to the client feeling misunderstood and unsupported. Nurses should provide a safe environment where clients feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings.

Choice B Reason:
Allowing the client to select food from vending machines can be a temporary measure to address the immediate concern of the client’s fear of being poisoned. It provides a sense of control over their situation and may help to reduce anxiety related to eating.

Choice C Reason:
Simply explaining that others eat the same food and feel safe may not be effective for a client experiencing delusions. Delusions are fixed beliefs that are not easily changed by logical explanations or evidence to the contrary.

Choice D Reason:
Encouraging the client to discuss why someone would poison the food might validate the delusion and could reinforce the false belief. It’s important to acknowledge the client’s feelings without supporting the delusional content.

A. "Perhaps you should discuss this with your physician." B. "Of course, you aren't going to die, at least not in the immediate future." C. "Tell me more about these fears of dying from a heart attack." D. "I recommend you exercise daily and avoid smoking to decrease your risk."

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
While suggesting the client discuss their concerns with their physician is a valid response, it may not provide the immediate emotional support the client is seeking. It's important for the nurse to address the client's current anxiety and provide reassurance before referring them to their physician.

Choice B Reason:
This response dismisses the client's fears and may come across as insensitive. It's crucial to acknowledge the client's emotions and provide a supportive environment where they feel heard and understood.

Choice C Reason:
Encouraging the client to express their fears allows the nurse to provide emotional support and helps in understanding the client's perspective. This approach fosters a therapeutic relationship and can help alleviate the client's anxiety.

Choice D Reason:
While recommending lifestyle changes is beneficial for overall health, this response does not address the client's immediate emotional needs. The nurse should first provide support for the client's expressed fears before discussing lifestyle modifications.

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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

The nurse is caring for a client in an acute mental health unit. The client states, “I believe my food is poisoned.” Which of the following should be an appropriate action by the nurse?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client diagnosed with end-stage renal disease tells the nurse he is afraid of dying from a heart attack. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A charge nurse overhears another nurse talking with a client who has schizophrenia. Suddenly the client yells, "I am the devil! I am God! Open the gate for me!" Which of the following replies by the nurse requires intervention?

A nurse is discussing culturally competent care at a nursing staff inservice. Which of the following information should the nurse include when discussing clients' cultures?

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with schizophrenia. Which of the following should the nurse identify as findings consistent with schizophrenia? (Select all that apply.)

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?

A nurse is reviewing communication styles. Which of the following characteristics should the nurse identify as being exhibited by an aggressive communicator? (Select All that Apply.)

A nurse is teaching about physiological responses to stress with a group of clients. The nurse should identify that which of the following changes reflect long-term physiological responses to stress? (Select all that apply)

The lead nurse is orienting a new nurse in a mental health unit about the roles of the nurse in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Which statement made by the new nurse demonstrates an understanding of the role of the nurse in CBT? (Select all that apply.)