During the working phase of a therapeutic relationship, which of the following actions by the nurse would best help the client to explore problems?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Helping the client to clarify feelings and behavior is a first step in problem identification and exploration. This approach empowers the client to examine and understand their own issues, fostering a therapeutic process. The nurse must remain nonjudgmental and avoid giving direct advice. Choice A might be useful later but doesn’t initiate exploration, C skips ahead to solutions, and D deflects responsibility, none of which prioritize the client’s self-exploration.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) validate the meaning of the nonverbal behavior. Nonverbal behavior can provide valuable insights into a client's emotional state, needs, and feelings. By validating the meaning of the nonverbal behavior, the nurse demonstrates empathy, understanding, and respect for the client's communication style. This can help build trust and rapport, leading to more effective therapeutic communication and relationship-building. Option A) increase the client's awareness of nonverbal behavior is incorrect because the responsibility lies with the nurse to interpret and validate the client's nonverbal cues, not to shift the burden onto the client. Option B) investigate the source of nonverbal behavior is incorrect because while understanding the context of behavior is important, the focus should be on validating the client's feelings rather than solely investigating the source. Option C) validate the client's feelings is a close distractor, but it does not specifically address the importance of interpreting nonverbal behavior, which is crucial in understanding the client's unspoken messages. In educational context, it is important to emphasize the significance of nonverbal communication in nursing practice. Nurses must be skilled in interpreting nonverbal cues to provide holistic and patient-centered care. Understanding the nuances of nonverbal behavior can enhance therapeutic relationships and improve patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) "You look like you are deep in thought." This statement is most likely to encourage the patient to talk because it acknowledges the patient's current state without making assumptions or judgments. By recognizing the patient's body language and providing a non-intrusive observation, the nurse shows empathy and creates a supportive environment for the patient to open up. Option A is not the best choice because it makes an assumption about the patient being sleepy, which may not be the case and can lead to miscommunication. Option C, "Is something wrong?" is too direct and may put the patient on the defensive, especially if they are not ready to talk about their feelings. Option D, "Why are you sitting with your eyes closed?" is confrontational and may make the patient feel judged or defensive, hindering open communication. In an educational context, it is essential for nurses to develop effective communication skills to build rapport with patients and encourage therapeutic interactions. By using non-judgmental, empathetic statements like the one in option B, nurses can create a safe space for patients to express their thoughts and feelings, leading to better patient outcomes and a more trusting nurse-patient relationship.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of mental illnesses like schizophrenia, the correct answer is A) Persons who are diagnosed at a younger age will more likely have a poorer outcome. This is because early onset of schizophrenia is often associated with more severe symptoms, poorer response to treatment, and a more chronic course of the illness. Option B) Persons who are diagnosed at a younger age will more likely have a better outcome is incorrect because, as mentioned earlier, early onset is typically linked to a poorer prognosis due to the nature of the illness and its impact on cognitive and social development. Option C) Age at diagnosis is not related to outcomes is incorrect as research consistently shows that the age of onset in mental illnesses such as schizophrenia does have implications for the individual's long-term prognosis and treatment outcomes. Option D) Younger clients have more experiences that will help them is irrelevant to the question and the topic of mental illness onset and outcomes. Educationally, understanding the impact of age at onset of mental illness on prognosis is crucial for healthcare providers in assessing and planning appropriate interventions for individuals with schizophrenia and other mental health conditions. Recognizing this relationship can guide treatment approaches and support strategies to improve outcomes for patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Spirituality only involves religion. This statement is not true because spirituality is a broad concept that goes beyond religion. Spirituality encompasses a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, a search for meaning in life, and a sense of inner peace. It can be expressed through religious practices for some individuals but can also manifest through nature, art, relationships, or personal values for others. Option A is incorrect because while some clients with mental disorders may experience disturbing religious delusions, it is not a universal experience for all individuals with mental health issues. Option B is a true statement as research has indeed shown a positive correlation between engaging in religious activities and experiencing better health outcomes and a sense of well-being. Option D is also a true statement as hope and faith play crucial roles in both psychiatric and physical rehabilitation processes, providing individuals with motivation, resilience, and a positive outlook towards recovery. In an educational context, it is important for nursing students to understand the holistic nature of spirituality and its impact on health and well-being. By recognizing that spirituality goes beyond religious beliefs and practices, nurses can provide more patient-centered care that respects and supports the diverse spiritual needs of individuals across different cultural and religious backgrounds.