The nurse is working with an adolescent client that is argumentative with staff and peers on the behavioral health unit. Which therapeutic response will be most beneficial for the client to decrease acting out behavior?

“If your behavior continues, we have no choice but to place you in seclusion."

"You have to take this medication to settle you down and stop your behavior."

“I don't know what set you off today but you have to get along with others."

“Let’s go to a quiet area and talk about what is upsetting you."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Explanation: This response demonstrates the use of therapeutic communication, specifically offering the client an opportunity to express their feelings and concerns in a non-confrontational manner. By suggesting a private and quiet area to talk to, the nurse provides a safe and supportive environment for the client to explore and process their emotions. This approach can help the client feel heard, validated, and understood, which may reduce their need to act out or engage in argumentative behaviors to express their feelings.

The other responses are not as effective or therapeutic:

A. Threatening the client with seclusion is an aggressive approach and may escalate the client's behavior or cause them to feel cornered and defensive, leading to further acting out.

B. Telling the client they have to take medication to stop their behavior does not address the underlying issues that may be causing their behavior. It can also come across as dismissive of the client's feelings and concerns.

C. Saying "I don't know what set you off today but you have to get along with others" may be perceived as dismissive and does not offer the client an opportunity to express their emotions or address their concerns.

In summary, offering a private space to talk and explore the client's feelings in a non-judgmental and supportive manner is the most beneficial therapeutic response to help the adolescent client decrease acting out behaviors and promote positive communication and coping skills.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

When a client has an angry outburst and then quickly appears calmer and receptive to input from the nurse, it is important for the nurse to address the underlying cause of the outburst and explore the client's feelings and emotions. By asking, "What happened that got you so upset?", the nurse is inviting the client to express their feelings and share what triggered their anger. This can help the nurse understand the client's perspective, provide appropriate support, and potentially de-escalate any remaining tension or frustration.

The other options are inappropriate because:

A- "We will have to talk about this later." This response may make the client feel dismissed or that their feelings are not being heard or understood.

C- "You really scared me. I'm glad you are okay." While this response acknowledges the client's emotional state, it centers the focus on the nurse's feelings rather than exploring the client's perspective or emotions.

D- "Your behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated." This response is confrontational and judgmental, which can escalate the situation and potentially trigger further defensive reactions from the client.

Overall, a non-judgmental and empathetic approach that focuses on understanding the client's feelings and experiences is more likely to foster open communication and provide the client with a safe space to express themselves.

A. I’m mentally healthy, I can solve my own problems." B. "What can I do? My spouse abandoned me C. I can't understand why this happened to me." D. I will find a support group to help me through this."

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The statement, "I will find a support group to help me through this," indicates that the client's coping skills are adequate. Seeking support from others who have experienced a similar loss can be an effective way to cope with feelings of loneliness and vulnerability after the death of a spouse. Support groups provide a safe and understanding environment where individuals can share their experiences, feelings, and struggles, and receive emotional support from others who can relate to their situation.

Option A suggests an overconfidence in coping skills and may not fully acknowledge the need for external support during a challenging time.

Option B indicates a sense of feeling abandoned, which could be a sign of struggling coping skills.

Option C suggests confusion and difficulty accepting the loss, which may indicate inadequate coping skills at the moment.

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The nurse is working with an adolescent client that is argumentative with staff and peers on the behavioral health unit. Which therapeutic response will be most beneficial for the client to decrease acting out behavior?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

After an Angry outburst, a client quickly appears calmer and receptive to input from the nurse. Which is the most helpful response to the client at this time?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A young client tells the nurse that the client's spouse died 3 months ago, and the client is feeling alone and vulnerable. Which statement indicates that the client's coping skills are adequate?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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