A nurse is new to working in mental health nursing. A childhood friend of one of the nurse’s siblings is currently hospitalized as an emergency involuntary admission on an acute locked unit. The nurse texts their sibling that the client is hospitalized and allows the client to use their personal mobile device to video chat with the sibling. It is a policy that clients are not permitted to use personal mobile devices. Which issues should the nurse’s preceptor address? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

Choice A Reason:

“There is no such thing as the devil. It’s all in your mind.”

This response dismisses the client’s experience and can make them feel invalidated. Telling the client that their experience is “all in your mind” does not acknowledge their distress and can increase their feelings of isolation and mistrust. It is important to validate the client’s feelings while gently orienting them to reality.

Choice B Reason:

“You are not going to hell. You are a good person.”

While this response is supportive, it does not address the client’s immediate distress about hearing voices. It is important to acknowledge the client’s experience of hearing voices and provide reassurance in a way that helps them feel understood and supported. Simply telling them they are a good person may not alleviate their anxiety about the voices.

Choice C Reason:

“Did you take your medicine this morning?”

Asking about medication adherence is important, but it is not the most appropriate immediate response to the client’s distress. This question can come across as dismissive and may not provide the immediate comfort and validation the client needs. It is better to first acknowledge the client’s experience and then address medication adherence later.

Choice D Reason:

“The voices sound distressing, but I don’t hear them.”

This is the correct response. It acknowledges the client’s distress and validates their experience without reinforcing the delusion. By stating that the nurse does not hear the voices, it gently orients the client to reality while showing empathy and understanding. This approach helps build trust and provides comfort to the client.

Choice A Reason:

Assist the client to identify triggers or sources of stress.

This is the correct response. Before educating clients about relaxation techniques, it is essential to help them identify their specific triggers or sources of stress. Understanding what causes their stress allows for more tailored and effective relaxation strategies. This step ensures that the relaxation techniques taught are relevant and can directly address the client’s needs, leading to better outcomes in managing anxiety and stress.

Choice B Reason:

Educate the client’s family so they can be active participants in the therapy.

While involving the client’s family in therapy can be beneficial, it is not the primary action to take before educating the client about relaxation techniques. Family education can support the client’s overall treatment plan, but the initial focus should be on understanding the client’s individual stressors and needs.

Choice C Reason:

Perform a physical assessment to ensure the client is able to participate in this therapy.

Performing a physical assessment is important to ensure the client can safely participate in relaxation techniques. However, this step is secondary to identifying the client’s stress triggers. Once the triggers are identified, the nurse can then assess the client’s physical ability to engage in specific relaxation exercises.

Choice D Reason:

Obtain an order from the psychiatrist during the treatment team.

Obtaining an order from the psychiatrist may be necessary for certain interventions, but it is not typically required for teaching relaxation techniques. The nurse can independently educate clients on these techniques as part of standard nursing care for managing stress and anxiety.