Author Question: A family member caring for a relative with dementia complains of exhaustion. Which of the following ... (Read 53 times)

karlynnae · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A family member caring for a relative with dementia complains of exhaustion. Which of the following responses best conveys respect for this family member's situation?

1. It sounds like your home situation is too demanding. What about seeking individual therapy to cope with your issues?
2. I experienced the same thing with my mother. What about getting a housekeeper?
3. Caring for a person with dementia is too much for one person. You should place your relative in a nursing home.
4. It sounds like you are overwhelmed. You may benefit from respite care services.

Question 2

A client who abuses alcohol states that the client drinks because the client's job is so stressful. Recognizing this as rationalization, the nurse makes a response to the client.

The nurse would know treatment was effective when the client says which of the following? 1. Maybe my just needing a little drink to do my job' has gotten way out of hand.
2. If I took a less stressful job, I wouldn't have to drink.
3. I can quit drinking whenever I want.
4. Listen, I'm not a drunk, and I don't have a problem with alcohol.

okolip · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

4
Rationale: The nurse shows respect for the client and situation by validating feelings and suggesting an option that will support the client's needs. Self-disclosure of the nurse's experience and suggesting a housekeeper takes the focus away from the client's experience. Although acknowledging that caring for a person with dementia is too much for one person can validate the client's experience, suggesting a nursing home conveys the nurse's personal opinion rather than offering an option that will support the client's needs. Commenting that the home situation is demanding and suggesting therapy makes an inaccurate assumption of the client's experience and needs and again offers the nurse's personal opinion.

Answer to Question 2

1
Rationale: The client's statement that the drinking has become uncontrolled suggests that the client is beginning to become more realistic about alcohol abuse. The statement that a less stressful job would remove the need to drink is a re-escalation of the client's rationalization. Stating that the client does not have a problem with alcohol demonstrates increased anxiety and denial. Expressing that the client can quit drinking whenever the client wants is fantasy, a satisfaction of wishes through non-rational thought.