A nurse working in a psychiatric unit plans to apply milieu therapy on a patient. Which intervention would the nurse include in the therapy?

Choice A Reason:

Making an evaluation about the patient's problem is incorrect. Making an evaluation may involve the nurse imposing their judgment on the patient's situation, which can hinder effective communication.

Choice B Reason:

Restating the main feelings or thoughts the patient has expressed is correct. Restating the main feelings or thoughts the patient has expressed is a therapeutic communication technique known as paraphrasing. This technique demonstrates active listening and shows the patient that the nurse is paying attention to their concerns. It allows the nurse to reflect back to the patient what has been said, confirming understanding and encouraging further communication.

Choice C Reason:

Saying "I understand what you're saying" is incorrect. While expressing understanding is important, simply stating "I understand" might be perceived as superficial if not accompanied by concrete examples or restatement of the patient's expressed thoughts and feelings.

Choice D Reason:

Offering a leading question such as "And then what happened?", is incorrect. Asking a leading question can be perceived as directive and may steer the conversation in a particular direction. It might not convey the same level of active listening as restating the patient's own words and feelings.

Choice A Reason:

Differentiation is incorrect. Differentiation refers to the ability of family members to maintain their individuality while remaining emotionally connected. It is not directly related to involving a third person in conflicts.

Choice B Reason:

Scapegoating is incorrect. Scapegoating involves blaming one family member for the family's problems. While this can be a dysfunctional family dynamic, it is not specifically about involving a third person in conflicts.

Choice C Reason:

Double Binding is incorrect. Double binding involves conflicting messages that create a no-win situation for the recipient. It does not specifically involve the inclusion of a third person in conflicts as observed in the given scenario.

Choice D Reason:

Triangulation is correct. Triangulation in family systems therapy occurs when a third person, often a child, is involved in the conflicts between two other family members. In this scenario, Kate is venting her frustrations to her younger son, which creates a triangle or three-person dynamic in the family system. Triangulation can serve as a way for family members to stabilize their relationships by shifting the focus or tension onto a third party.