A client states, "I feel like I have no control over my life." The nurse determines the client is experiencing a sense of powerlessness. Which strategy most likely assisted the nurse in the identification of powerlessness?

Question

a. Looking for central emotional themes in the client's story
b. Keeping the focus on the future
c. Providing lengthy responses when interacting with the client
d. Ignoring vocal inflections as the client speaks

Answer 1

ANS: A
A guideline for identifying major problems is to identify central emotional themes in the client's story (e.g., powerlessness, shame, hopelessness) to provide a focus for intervention. Another guideline for identifying major problems is to keep the focus on the here and now. Questions should be short and relevant to the crisis. Responses to the client should be brief, empathetic, and clearly related to the client's story. Note changes in expression, body posture, and vocal inflections as clients tell their story and at what points they occur.