Which psychotherapeutic technique is commonly used in interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT)?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), the commonly used psychotherapeutic technique is communication analysis. This technique focuses on improving communication patterns and understanding how interpersonal interactions contribute to the individual's emotional distress. A) Communication analysis is the correct answer because it is central to IPT. By analyzing and improving communication patterns, individuals can enhance their relationships and address underlying emotional issues effectively. B) Exploring transference is a technique commonly associated with psychodynamic therapy, not specifically IPT. Transference involves projecting feelings onto the therapist based on past relationships, which is not the primary focus of IPT. C) Strengthening defense mechanisms is more aligned with psychodynamic or cognitive-behavioral approaches rather than IPT. IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships rather than solely focusing on individual defense mechanisms. D) Testing the validity of thoughts against reality is a cognitive-behavioral therapy technique aimed at challenging and changing negative thought patterns. This approach is not a primary technique used in IPT, which focuses on interpersonal dynamics. Educationally, understanding the specific techniques associated with different therapeutic approaches is crucial for mental health professionals to provide effective treatment tailored to the individual's needs. Knowing the core techniques of IPT helps clinicians apply the appropriate interventions to address interpersonal issues and improve overall mental well-being.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of a person intentionally overdosing on antidepressants, the nursing diagnosis with the highest priority is "C) Risk for suicide." This is because the individual's immediate safety is the primary concern when dealing with a suicide attempt. Assessing and managing the risk for suicide takes precedence over other nursing diagnoses in this critical situation. Option A) Powerlessness may be a valid nursing diagnosis for this scenario, as the individual may indeed feel powerless, but addressing the immediate risk of suicide is of higher priority. Option B) Social isolation is also important to address, as social support plays a role in mental health, but it is secondary to ensuring the person's safety in a psychiatric emergency. Option D) Compromised family coping is relevant, considering the impact on the individual's family, but in an acute psychiatric emergency, the immediate risk of suicide takes precedence over addressing family coping mechanisms. Educationally, this question highlights the critical thinking skills required in psychiatric emergencies. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing nursing interventions based on the urgency of the situation and the potential for harm. Understanding the hierarchy of nursing diagnoses in psychiatric emergencies is crucial for providing effective and timely care to individuals in crisis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the highest priority nursing intervention is option A) Supervise the patient 24 hours a day. This is crucial because the patient's increased talkativeness and energy after initiating antidepressant medication could indicate a shift from a low-energy depressive state to a more active and potentially impulsive phase. This change in behavior poses an increased risk of acting on suicidal thoughts. Supervising the patient continuously allows the healthcare team to closely monitor for any signs of worsening mental state or emergence of suicidal ideation. It also enables prompt intervention if the patient's condition deteriorates, ensuring their safety. The other options are incorrect: - B) Beginning discharge planning prematurely could overlook the immediate need for intensive monitoring and potentially place the patient at risk. - C) Referring the patient to art and music therapists is beneficial for holistic care but not the highest priority when safety is a concern. - D) Considering discontinuation of suicide precautions is inappropriate at this stage, as the patient's behavior change warrants continued vigilance. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of ongoing assessment and monitoring in psychiatric emergencies, emphasizing the need for vigilant observation even when initial signs may seem positive. It underscores the critical role of nursing interventions in ensuring patient safety and well-being in mental health care settings.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Attending a self-help group for survivors. This intervention is the most appropriate for the distressed family and friends of someone who has committed suicide because it provides a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences, emotions, and coping strategies with others who have gone through a similar loss. Being part of a self-help group can help reduce feelings of isolation, provide validation of emotions, and offer practical advice on how to navigate the grieving process. Option A, participating in reminiscence therapy, is not the most appropriate intervention in this scenario as it focuses on recalling past events and experiences to promote emotional healing. While reminiscence therapy can be beneficial in other contexts, it may not address the immediate needs of individuals dealing with the shock and grief of a recent suicide. Option B, psychological postmortem assessment, is also not the most suitable intervention for the distressed family and friends as it involves a formal evaluation of the deceased individual's mental health history and circumstances leading up to the suicide. While this assessment may be valuable for understanding the factors contributing to the suicide, it does not directly address the emotional needs of the bereaved individuals. Option D, contracting for at least two sessions of group therapy, may provide therapeutic support, but it lacks the specific focus on shared experiences and support from others who have experienced a similar loss, which is a key component of self-help groups for suicide survivors. In an educational context, understanding the most appropriate interventions for individuals affected by suicide is crucial for healthcare professionals working in psychiatric emergencies. By recognizing the unique needs of those grieving a suicide and knowing how to guide them towards effective support services, nurses can play a vital role in promoting healing and resilience in the face of such a traumatic event.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Risk for other-directed violence. In a situation where a patient has been arrested for breaking windows, the priority nursing diagnosis is identifying the risk for other-directed violence. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of not only the patient but also others around them. It is important to assess the potential for the patient to cause harm to others, especially considering their behavior of breaking windows, which could escalate to physical harm towards individuals. Option A) Risk for injury is not the priority in this scenario because the focus is on the risk the patient poses to others rather than self-injury. Option B) Ineffective coping may be relevant, but it is secondary to the immediate concern of potential violence towards others. Option C) Impaired social interaction is not the priority at this moment because the main concern is the safety and well-being of those around the patient. Educationally, understanding the prioritization of nursing diagnoses in psychiatric emergencies is vital for providing effective and timely care. Recognizing and addressing the risk for violence is crucial in ensuring the safety of all individuals involved and preventing potential harm. By prioritizing this nursing diagnosis, nurses can implement appropriate interventions to manage and mitigate the risk of other-directed violence.