A mother rescues two of her four children from a house fire. In an emergency department, she cries, I should have gone back in to get them. I should have died, not them. Which of the following responses by the nurse is an example of reflection?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Option B is an example of reflection because it involves the nurse acknowledging the mother's feelings of guilt and linking them to her perceived failure to save all her children. Reflection involves mirroring back the thoughts and feelings of the individual to help them process their emotions and make sense of their experiences. It shows empathy and understanding towards the mother's internal struggles. This response allows the mother to explore her emotions and work through her feelings of guilt in a supportive and non-judgmental way.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Option D, "You mentioned your relationship with your father. Let's discuss that further," is a good example of the therapeutic communication technique of focusing. Focusing involves bringing attention to a specific topic or issue that the individual has raised. In this statement, the nurse is acknowledging what the person mentioned about their relationship with their father and is directing the conversation towards exploring that topic in more depth. This can help the individual delve deeper into their feelings and thoughts related to the specific issue, fostering a more meaningful and therapeutic conversation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing response would be to have the client describe what happened during the visit with her husband. This open-ended question allows the client to provide details about the encounter, which can help the nurse assess the situation accurately. By listening to the client's account of the events, the nurse can gather important information such as the context, severity, and frequency of the husband's behavior. This will help the nurse to better understand the situation and provide appropriate support and guidance to the client.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The client talking about personal accomplishments to gain attention is displaying the individual role of a recognition seeker within the therapeutic group. Recognition seekers often seek attention and approval from others by focusing on themselves, their achievements, or their experiences. This behavior can detract from the therapeutic process and group dynamics, as the focus shifts to the individual rather than the group as a whole. It is important for the nurse to identify this role and address it appropriately to ensure the group remains focused on therapeutic goals and mutual support among group members.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: This scenario illustrates the curative group factor of Universality. Universality involves the realization that one is not alone in their struggles and that others in the group have experienced similar feelings or thoughts. In this case, the pregnant teenager is able to see that she is not the only one who has felt ambivalent about their pregnancy, as the mother of three also admits to having had similar feelings. This sense of shared experiences can help reduce feelings of isolation, shame, and guilt, ultimately fostering a sense of connection and mutual understanding within the group.