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?
"Please do not raise your voice at the children. I am the one who left dishes in the sink."
"Can you tell me the reason you get upset each time I go to the mall?"
"If you keep saying that, I will tell everyone what you did last night."
"She is always bossing me around. Should she do that?"
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Supporting the client's wish to refuse prescribed medications is a direct demonstration of respecting the client's autonomy. Autonomy in nursing is the right to self-determination, where patients are provided with adequate information to make their own decisions based on their beliefs and values. By supporting the client's decision, the nurse acknowledges the client's capacity to make informed choices about their own health care, even if the choice is different from what the medical team suggests.
Choice B Reason:
Ensuring that the client understands expectations for participation is more about informed consent and education rather than autonomy. While it is related to autonomy, it does not directly demonstrate the ethical concept since it does not involve a decision made by the client.
Choice C Reason:
Explaining unit rules and policies about unacceptable behaviors is part of the education process and setting boundaries within the healthcare environment. This action is necessary for all clients but does not specifically address the client's autonomy in making personal health decisions.
Choice D Reason:
Encouraging client feedback about satisfaction with the facility experience is a way to involve clients in the evaluation process of the facility's services. While this can be seen as respecting the client's opinions, it is not a direct action of supporting the client's autonomous decisions regarding their treatment plan
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Associative looseness refers to a disorganized thought process where connections between ideas are unclear or illogical. The use of the word "flakala" does not demonstrate a loose association between ideas but rather the creation of a new word.
Choice B reason:
Tangentiality occurs when a person goes off on a tangent and does not return to the original topic. In this case, the client is not going off on a tangent but is repeatedly using a made-up word, which is indicative of neologism.
Choice C reason:
Neologism is the creation of new words that others may not understand. The client's use of "flakala" fits this definition, as it appears to be a word created by the client that is not part of standard language¹. This can be a sign of disorganized thinking, where the client's internal thoughts do not align with conventional language patterns.
Choice D reason:
Circumstantiality involves providing unnecessary detail that makes communication less efficient but eventually returns to the original point. The client's statement does not include unnecessary details; it is the repetition of a newly created word, suggesting neologism.
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