A client describes her situation to the crisis center nurse: "I'm at a total loss. I don't know what to do since I lost my job. All I can think of is ‘Why me?' What do I do to get through this?"

Question

The component of crisis intervention that should receive priority for this client is:
1. Allowing the client to independently develop adaptive coping strategies
2. Providing education about stress reactions and ways to cope
3. Encouraging support persons to give direction to the client
4. Recommending hospitalization and a no-suicide contract

Answer 1

ANS: 2
When a client has little idea of what to do, the crisis intervention nurse takes an active role by providing education about the symptoms of responses to stress and crisis and by sharing possible alternative coping strategies that have worked for others. 1. This is a component, but it cannot be the initial intervention, since the client has indicated an inability to proceed adaptively. 3. This shifts responsibility from the client and nurse to others. The nurse should assist the client to de-velop adaptive strategies, not abdicate responsibility. 4. Hospitalization is reserved for clients who are a danger to themselves or others.