Tim is a new patient to your mental health unit. He gets your attention, and when the two of you are alone he informs you that he "has the secret to eternal youth."
He offers to tell you, but he is unable to because "they're out there hiding so they can steal it from me. I must be very careful." Your best therapeutic response to Tim is:
A.
"Tim, I don't see anyone but you and me. It's time for dinner now. I'll walk with you to the dining room."
B.
"Tim, nobody can have eternal youth. That's not realistic, so don't talk about that anymore."
C.
"I'd love to hear about it, Tim. Let's go to the other room so no one else can hear.
D.
"I'll make sure 'they' are all gone, then you can tell me."
ANS: A
By focusing gently on reality and then encouraging the participation in the here and now, you are helping this patient stay in reality. The other responses give the impression that you are validating his unrealistic claim.
You might also like to view...
The nurse should expect which finding in a patient with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS)?
A) A difference in blood pressure between the upper and lower extremities B) Positive ankle-brachial index C) Positive Adson maneuver D) Manifestations of Turner syndrome
A postoperative patient with a fluid volume deficit is prescribed progressive ambulation, yet is weak from an inadequate fluid status. What should the nurse do to help this patient?
1. Assist the patient to maintain a standing position for several minutes. 2. Recommend that this patient be on bed rest. 3. Assist the patient to move into different positions in stages. 4. Contact physical therapy to provide a walker.
The dome-shaped top of the uterus is called the:
A) os. B) body. C) fundus. D) cervix.
A client who developed numbness in the right hand could not play the piano at a scheduled recital. The consequence of the symptom, not having to perform, is best described as
a. emotion-focused coping b. phobia c. primary gain d. secondary gain