A nurse is caring for an older adult client admitted to the hospital following a cerebrovascular accident. The client's daughter tells the nurse, "I wish I could stay with my father, but I need to go home to my family." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Cognitive reframing involves changing negative or unhelpful thought patterns into more positive and constructive ones. By learning to change negative thoughts into positive statements, the client is actively engaging in cognitive reframing. This process helps the client challenge and reframe negative thoughts, replacing them with more positive and adaptive thoughts. By doing so, the client can reduce stress, improve their mood, and approach challenging situations with a more positive mindset. This technique is an effective way to cope with stress and promote emotional well-being.

Incorrect:

A. The client trains his mind to relax by using deep inner resources. This choice refers to relaxation techniques, which can be helpful for stress reduction but are not specifically related to cognitive reframing. Cognitive reframing focuses on changing thought patterns rather than relaxation techniques.

B. The client learns the source of his stress by writing down daily events. While identifying the source of stress can be an important step in stress management, it is not specific to cognitive reframing. Cognitive reframing involves challenging and changing negative thoughts, rather than solely focusing on identifying stressors.

C. The client imagines being in a quiet, relaxing environment. This choice refers to visualization or guided imagery techniques, which can also be helpful for relaxation but are not specifically related to cognitive reframing. Cognitive reframing involves changing thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations, rather than focusing on imagining specific environments.

This statement implies that the nurse is taking sides and suggesting a specific course of action to the client. It is important for the nurse to remain neutral and non-directive during family therapy sessions. The nurse's role is to facilitate open communication, active listening, and understanding between the family members, rather than imposing their own opinions or suggesting specific solutions.

To ensure a therapeutic and unbiased approach, the nurse should intervene and provide feedback to the newly licensed nurse, reminding them to maintain a neutral stance and encourage the client to explore their own perspectives and feelings about the relationship.

Incorrect:

A. "We should invite your partner to be a part of our discussion." This statement suggests involving the partner, which is a common practice in family therapy. It recognizes the importance of including all relevant family members in the therapeutic process.

B. "Tell me about the concerns that you have regarding your relationship." This statement encourages the client to express their concerns and provides an opportunity for them to share their thoughts and feelings about the relationship. It promotes open communication and active listening.

D. "Relationship difficulties are stressful and require effort to resolve." This statement acknowledges the challenges in relationships and emphasizes the need for active participation and effort to address and resolve issues. It sets a realistic expectation for the client and supports their engagement in the therapeutic process.