A patient who displays dependent tendencies follows the nurse ...

[rosent76]

A patient who displays dependent tendencies follows the nurse around the unit and repeatedly asks, What do you think I should do, nurse? Which is the nurse's most therapeutic response?
 
  a. You need to think for yourself. I can't do that for you..
  b. Instead of asking me what to do, you should be practicing decision making yourself..
  c. One of the things I've observed is your dependency on me. Let's discuss why you fear making your own decisions..
  d. Let's discuss your seeming discomfort regarding decision making when we meet today in group. In the meantime, think about why you feel you need my help..

Question 2

When working with a client who describes his father as saying to him, You're dumb, and You're just a loser, which of the following statements would be a therapeutic response to the client's comments?
 
  a. A loser? In what way are you a loser?
  b. How don't you do things right?
  c. What would you rather he tell you?
  d. You sound like you are really upset by what he says.

[cassie_ragen]

Answer to Question 1

D
Working with dependency strivings is a difficult task and one that requires patience and understanding from the nurse. The most therapeutic nursing intervention is the one that encourages mutual problem solving.

Answer to Question 2

D
The most therapeutic response by the nurse would be to say, You sound like you are really upset by what he says. In this situation the nurse is using reflection as a therapeutic communication technique. The nurse is reflecting on the client's statement that the father called him dumb and a loser. Reflection is powerful tool to bring out important aspects of the client's feelings and to put them in the context when and where they occur.

[rosent76]

Excellent

[Alyson.hiatt@yahoo.com]

TYSM