The client states, "I can’t go to group today. I have a very upset stomach this morning." Which would be the nurse's most appropriate response?
"Okay, you can miss this time"
"I know you don't feel well, but it’s important for you to participate in therapy."
"You have to go to group. The doctor has ordered it."
"You aren’t really feeling nauseous. It is part of your illness."
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Allowing the client to miss group therapy without addressing the underlying issue reinforces avoidance behavior. In psychiatric and therapeutic settings, avoidance can worsen maladaptive coping and hinder progress. While empathy is important, simply excusing the client does not promote therapeutic engagement or accountability.
Choice B reason: This response balances empathy with encouragement. It acknowledges the client’s discomfort while emphasizing the importance of participation in therapy. This approach validates the client’s feelings but also promotes adherence to treatment, which is critical in psychiatric care. It demonstrates therapeutic communication by combining support with gentle redirection toward recovery goals.
Choice C reason: This response is authoritarian and lacks empathy. Telling the client they "have to" attend because of a doctor’s order disregards the client’s autonomy and feelings. Such a directive can increase resistance, foster mistrust, and damage the therapeutic relationship. Effective communication requires collaboration, not coercion.
Choice D reason: Denying the client’s expressed symptoms by stating they are "not really feeling nauseous" invalidates the client’s experience. This response is dismissive and can harm rapport. Even if somatic complaints are part of the illness, the nurse must avoid confrontation or invalidation, as this can exacerbate distress and reduce trust in care providers.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Suppressing anxious feelings is maladaptive and can worsen symptoms. Suppression does not resolve anxiety and may lead to rebound effects.
Choice B reason: Experiencing anxiety without feeling overwhelmed reflects realistic and therapeutic progress. Relaxation techniques aim to help clients manage anxiety effectively, not eliminate it entirely. This demonstrates improved coping and resilience.
Choice C reason: Reporting no episodes of anxiety is unrealistic because anxiety is a normal human response. The goal is management, not eradication.
Choice D reason: Confronting the source of anxiety directly is not the immediate goal of relaxation training. Exposure therapy may involve confronting triggers, but relaxation techniques focus on symptom control.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This describes somatic symptom disorder, not illness anxiety disorder.
Choice B reason: A variety of symptoms over years is more consistent with somatic symptom disorder.
Choice C reason: Persistent preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness is the defining feature of illness anxiety disorder. Clients may misinterpret normal sensations and remain preoccupied despite reassurance.
Choice D reason: Excessive worrying may contribute, but illness anxiety disorder is not simply the eventual result of worry; it is a distinct psychiatric diagnosis.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.