A nurse is working with a woman who is newly married and pregnant ...

[crazycityslicker]

A nurse is working with a woman who is newly married and pregnant and says she is distressed because she and her husband seem to be so different and they argue over petty issues. What action by the nurse using group theory would be best?
 
  A.
  Ask the woman if she can remember why she and her husband fell in love.
  B.
  Caution her that this level of disagreement will cause stress to the unborn baby.
  C.
  Offer the woman a referral to a community counseling center for couples therapy.
  D.
  Reassure her that this is normal and help her brainstorm ways to work cooperatively.

Question 2

A nurse who uses the structural-functional theory would assess which of the following when working with families?
 
  A.
  Communication patterns
  B.
  How things get done
  C.
  If goals are being met
  D.
  Looseness of boundaries

[Jmfn03]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
According to group theory, groups evolve through the distinct stages of forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. Storming often occurs when a group that has recently formed notices differences in members, leading to chaos or confusion. This couple is in this stage. At this point, the nurse's best action is to reassure the woman and help her brainstorm ways of working together cooperatively, which might include forming rules or procedures that both parties agree to follow. Asking about their early relationship does not give the woman information that will help the present situation. Warning the patient about the negative effects of stress on her unborn baby sounds judgmental and threatening. A referral for counseling might be needed at a future date.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The structural-functional theory focuses on the outcomes, not the processes, within the family. The nurse using this theory would assess if the family goals are being met. Communication patterns are critical to communication theory. Processes are important to family developmental theory, and boundaries are important in family systems theory.