Author Question: A client is being admitted to a psychiatric unit. While explaining his reason for seeking admission, ... (Read 54 times)

penza · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A client is being admitted to a psychiatric unit. While explaining his reason for seeking admission, he describes how his 32-year-old son recently died of a heart attack. Which response by the nurse would enhance the effectiveness of this interview?

A) How is your wife handling your son's death?
B) Do you have any other living children that can help you cope with this loss?
C) This must be a very difficult time for you.
D) I know exactly how you're feeling; my 23-year-old son died unexpectedly last year.

Question 2

Which of the following questions would be most helpful in beginning an initial assessment interview for a client who has just been admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit?

A) Have you had any previous psychiatric admissions?
B) What brings you into the hospital today?
C) Have you had any thoughts about trying to harm yourself?
D) How would you describe your relationship with your spouse?

debra928 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans: C
The statement, This must be a very difficult time for you reflects empathy, which is one of the nursing behaviors that can enhance the effectiveness of an assessment interview. The focus needs to be on the client. Therefore, asking about his wife or other children would be less appropriate. Telling the client how the nurse feels is an inappropriate use of self-disclosure.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: B
Open-ended questions are most helpful when beginning an interview because they allow the nurse to observe how the client responds verbally and nonverbally. They also convey caring and interest in the person's well-being, which helps to establish rapport. Asking about previous hospitalization, thoughts of self-harm, and a spousal relationship would be questions asked later in the assessment.