The parents of a 10-year-old girl have noticed that over the past couple of months, she has not been socializing with her friends, an activity she previously enjoyed.

She often makes statements about how stressed she feels, and she no longer enjoys her classes at school.

All she wants to do is stay in her room with her computer and phone.

On the basis of these symptoms, the parents may suspect a(an):

Choice A rationale
Focusing is a therapeutic communication technique where the nurse directs the conversation to specific areas or topics. In this scenario, the nurse is not focusing the conversation but is seeking to clarify the client’s understanding of their medication.
Choice B rationale
Clarification is a therapeutic communication technique where the nurse seeks to understand the client’s message more fully. In this scenario, the nurse is using clarification by stating that the client needs more information about their medication for safe use.
Choice C rationale
Informing is a therapeutic communication technique where the nurse provides the client with relevant information. While the nurse in this scenario is indicating a need to provide more information, the primary action is clarification.
Choice D rationale
Theme identification is a therapeutic communication technique where the nurse identifies recurring thoughts or feelings expressed by the client. In this scenario, the nurse is not identifying a recurring theme but is seeking to clarify the client’s understanding of their medication.

Choice A rationale
Leaving the client alone to eat might not address the client’s paranoid belief that the food is poisoned. It could potentially exacerbate the client’s anxiety and paranoia.
Choice B rationale
Asking the client’s family to bring in favorite foods might not be feasible in all situations. Moreover, the client might still harbor paranoid beliefs about the food being poisoned.
Choice C rationale
Allowing the client to observe other clients eating the same food can help alleviate the client’s paranoid belief that the food is poisoned. Seeing others safely consuming the same food can provide reassurance.
Choice D rationale
Giving the client an “anti-poison” placebo prior to meals is not an ethical practice. It can potentially undermine the trust in the therapeutic relationship.