A client relates that she has been under increased stress at work and that the only way she knows how to manage her anxiety is by drinking two or three glasses of wine each evening

Question

The nurse suggests she stop drinking because of the negative effects of alcohol consumption. Which of the following statements explains why this may be difficult for the client?
A) She is probably physically dependent on alcohol.
B) Drinking alcohol is more socially acceptable than is taking medications.
C) She may have no coping mechanism with which to replace drinking alcohol.
D) A few glasses of wine each night is not necessarily a problem.

Answer 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
Clients learn to reduce the anxiety they feel in either functional or dysfunctional ways. The nurse first explores with the client what techniques the client has used in the past and helps the client identify and enhance those strategies that are most beneficial. The nurse and client identify maladaptive coping strategies such as social withdrawal or alcohol use and replace them with adaptive strategies that suit the client's personal, cultural, and spiritual values. The nurse should not ask the client to give up coping mechanisms, even maladaptive ones, without offering other adaptive mechanisms. The client may or may not have a physical dependence on alcohol.