The patient and the nurse have agreed on problems to be addressed ...

[sabina]

The patient and the nurse have agreed on problems to be addressed during a short course of outpatient therapy. At the beginning of the appointment, the patient states, I'd like to work on the issue of relationships today.
 
  Which assessment can be made?
  a. Nurse-patient roles have not been clearly delineated.
  b. The nurse should suggest several alternative behaviors.
  c. The patient must be able to manage emotions before continuing.
  d. The relationship is moving from orientation to working phase.

Question 2

During the first family therapy session, the mother of a child being treated for truancy and emotional outbursts 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:
  a. We'll get more accurate information if the entire family is involved.
  b. It may seem strange to you, but we'll get better results doing it this way.
  c. When one family member is sick, the whole family system is sick as well.
  d. Every family member's perceptions are very important to the total picture.

[momolu]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Once the patient and nurse have collaborated to define and prioritize problems, the relation-ship moves from orientation to working phase. The remaining options have no relevance to the scenario since there is no reference to roles, alternative behaviors, or managing behaviors.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
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 is-sues, identify outcomes, and solve problems. It may or may not be true that this will result in accurate information. Getting better results doesn't convey the real reason. Referring to the family as sick is pessimistic and conveys a threatening message.