The family of a teenage boy has been referred by the school to ...

[jrubin]

The family of a teenage boy has been referred by the school to the mental health clinic for family therapy related to the boy's truancy and emotional outbursts.
 
  During the first interview the mother asks the nurse, Why are you bothering to ask the rest of us questions? My son is the one with the problems. The best response for the nurse would be:
  1. We'll get more accurate information if the entire family is involved.
  2. It may seem strange to you, but we'll get better results this way.
  3. When one member is sick, the whole family system is sick.
  4. Every family member's perceptions are important to the total picture.

Question 2

A client tells the nurse, I really like you. You're the only true friend I have. The client's re-marks call for the nurse to revisit the issue of:
 
  1. Boundaries
  2. Trust
  3. Safety
  4. Countertransference

[Joc]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: 4
This response orients the family to the idea that each person's opinion will be valued. Having the family present for assessment prepares them for working together to identify family issues, iden-tify outcomes, and solve problems. Option 1 may or may not be true. Option 2 doesn't convey the real reason. Option 3 is pessimistic and conveys a threatening message.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: 1
The client's remarks call for the nurse to remind the client of the parameters of the nurse-client relationship. The remark would also give the nurse the opening to go on to discuss the matter of friends. Options 2, 3, and 4: The client's remarks do not suggest the need to deal with any of these three issues.