Which of the options below would be a priority nursing diagnosis?

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.

Choice A Reason:

Facing reality and developing standards for responsible behavior is inappropriate. This goal aligns more with reality therapy or choice theory, which focuses on helping individuals take responsibility for their behavior and make choices that lead to responsible actions.

Choice B Reason:

Examining irrational beliefs and eliminating self-defeating behaviors is appropriate. Beck's cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is based on the premise that thoughts influence feelings and behaviors. The goal of CBT is to identify and change irrational or distorted thoughts that contribute to negative emotions and behaviors. This process involves examining irrational beliefs and challenging cognitive distortions to promote more realistic and adaptive thinking.

Choice C Reason:

Developing satisfactory relationships, maturity, and relative freedom from anxiety is inappropriate. This goal may align with psychodynamic or humanistic approaches that emphasize personal growth, self-awareness, and improvement in relationships.

Choice D Reason:

Reducing body tension through biofeedback training is inappropriate. This goal is more aligned with behavioral approaches that use techniques like biofeedback to address physiological symptoms.