A client who abuses alcohol was brought to the hospital as a ...

[casperchen82]

A client who abuses alcohol was brought to the hospital as a police hold after a fight with his wife. When the client is sober, the nurse recognizes that the client is using a defensive behavior called rationalization.
 
  Which statement did the client make? 1. I don't remember doing any of those things.
  2. The police are always out to get me; I bet they were watching my house.
  3. I just needed my space. If she had just left me alone, I wouldn't have hit her.
  4. When my wife comes in, tell her to take the money I left in the hospital safe.

Question 2

The nurse is planning care for a client who has been withdrawn and isolated for the last three days. Which action will best demonstrate the nurse's empathy for this client?
 
  1. Encourage the client's attendance and participation in groups.
  2. Focus on the client's strengths to enhance self-esteem.
  3. Explore the client's feelings of anger related to powerlessness.
  4. Approach the client regularly and spend time with the client.

[vish98]

Answer to Question 1

3
Rationale: Rationalization is a falsification of experience through construction of a social or local explanation. The client not remembering could be repression. Feeling that the police are out to get the client sounds like projection. Suggesting that the wife should retrieve the money from the safe does not indicate a defensive behavior.

Answer to Question 2

4
Rationale: The nurse who acknowledges and focuses on being with a withdrawn client demonstrates a willingness to understand the experience of the client on his or her terms. Focusing on the client's strengths conveys respect and hope. Exploring feelings related to powerlessness makes the assumption that the nurse already knows the client's inner experience. Encouraging attendance and participation in groups does not respond to the client's feelings or experience.

[casperchen82]

Thank you

[vish98]

Happy to help you