A nurse overhears a client diagnosed with schizophrenia talking to herself. The client keeps stating, "The flakalas are here. The flakalas are here." The nurse should recognize the client's use of the word "flakala" as an example of which of the following alterations in speech?

Associative looseness

Tangentiality

Neologism

Circumstantiality

Choice C reason:

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

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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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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.

A. "I understand that you are angry. However, I followed the appropriate protocol." B. "You need to calm down before discussing this matter any further." C. "You were made aware of the consequences of negative behavior." D. "Why did you make the choice to behave negatively?"

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
This statement is an example of assertive communication because it acknowledges the client's feelings while also standing firm on the nurse's actions. Assertive communication is characterized by being direct, clear, concise, honest, confident, and respectful¹. It involves expressing thoughts and feelings in a considerate way that respects others, aiming to foster and maintain healthy relationships, rectify conflicts, and prevent resentment due to unexpressed needs.

Choice B Reason:
Telling a client to calm down can be perceived as dismissive and may not be considered assertive communication. It does not acknowledge the client's feelings and can come across as commanding or condescending, which may escalate the situation rather than resolve it.

Choice C Reason:
While this statement does convey the consequences of the client's actions, it lacks the empathy component that is crucial in assertive communication. It is important to balance directness with understanding when addressing sensitive issues.

Choice D Reason:
Asking why the client chose to behave negatively could be seen as confrontational and may put the client on the defensive. Assertive communication aims to avoid power games and foster clear outcomes, which is best achieved through statements that do not provoke or blame.

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A nurse overhears a client diagnosed with schizophrenia talking to herself. The client keeps stating, "The flakalas are here. The flakalas are here." The nurse should recognize the client's use of the word "flakala" as an example of which of the following alterations in speech?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse in a mental health facility is caring for a client who is upset about the loss of privileges due to repetitive negative behavior. Which of the following statements by the nurse demonstrates the effective use of assertive communication?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for an older adult client following the sudden death of their spouse. The client feels stuck in their ability to deal with work and family responsibilities. The nurse should recognize that the client is experiencing which type of crisis?

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A home health nurse drives up to the house of her client, who has schizophrenia with manic episodes. The client is sitting on his front porch with a shotgun in his arms. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse working in a mental health facility is utilizing milieu therapy to provide a therapeutic environment for their clients. Which of the following steps of the nursing process is the nurse demonstrating?

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.)

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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?