A patient in a group therapy session listens to others and then remarks, "I used to think I was the only one who felt afraid. I guess I'm not as alone as I thought." This comment is an example of

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) universality. In the context of group therapy, universality refers to the realization that one's experiences and feelings are shared by others in the group. When the patient expresses that they thought they were alone in feeling afraid but now understand that others feel the same way, it demonstrates an awareness of universality. This realization can be a powerful therapeutic tool as it reduces feelings of isolation and promotes empathy and connection within the group. Option A) altruism refers to selflessly helping others, which is not demonstrated in the patient's statement. Option B) ventilation refers to the release of strong emotions or feelings, which is also not the focus of the patient's comment. Option D) group cohesiveness relates to the sense of unity and connection within the group, which is a result of experiencing universality but is not directly reflected in the patient's statement. Understanding the concept of universality in group therapy is essential for nurses working in behavioral health settings. It allows them to facilitate discussions that promote the sharing of experiences, reduce feelings of isolation, and foster a sense of community among group members. This, in turn, can enhance the therapeutic outcomes of group therapy sessions by promoting mutual support and understanding.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should anticipate the cause of the client's symptoms to be prolonged grief (option B). Prolonged grief occurs when a person experiences intense, persistent grief symptoms lasting beyond what is considered a normal grieving period. In this case, the client's symptoms of hopelessness, sadness, sleep disturbances, and frequent crying six months after the death of their grandmother suggest a prolonged and unresolved grief reaction. Option A (Anxiety) is not the most appropriate choice as the client's symptoms align more closely with grief reactions rather than anxiety symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, or excessive worry. Option C (Normal grieving process) is incorrect because the client's symptoms extend beyond what is typically expected in a normal grieving process, indicating a more complex and prolonged response to the loss. Option D (Emotional numbness) does not align with the client's presentation of intense emotions such as sadness, hopelessness, and crying, which are indicative of unresolved grief rather than emotional numbness. Educationally, it is crucial for nurses to differentiate between normal grief reactions and prolonged grief to provide appropriate support and interventions for clients experiencing complicated grief responses. Understanding the nuances of grief reactions can help nurses tailor their care to meet the individual needs of clients experiencing loss and facilitate the grieving process effectively.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Mental illness includes general dissatisfaction with self, ineffective relationships, ineffective coping, and lack of personal growth. Additionally, the behavior must not be culturally expected. Acute grief reactions are expected and therefore not considered mental illness. False reassurance or overanalysis does not accurately address the client's concerns.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The revolving door effect refers to shorter, but more frequent, hospital stays. Clients are quickly discharged into the community where services are not adequate; without adequate community services, clients become acutely ill and require rehospitalization. The revolving door effect does not refer to flexible treatment settings for mentally ill. Even though hospitalization is more expensive than outpatient treatment, if utilized appropriately could result in stabilization and less need for emergency department visits and/or rehospitalization. The revolving door effect does not relate to the incidence of severe mental illness.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Education is a standard of professional performance. Other standards of professional performance include the quality of practice, professional practice evaluation, collegiality, collaboration, ethics, research, resource utilization, and leadership. Assessment, planning, and implementation are components of the nursing process, not standards of professional performance.