Question 1

The nurse asks members of a group for recovering alcoholics how they handle the urge to drink. Which communication technique is the nurse using?

Accepted Answer

The nurse is using encouraging comparison by asking the group members for their personal experiences and coping mechanisms for dealing with the urge to drink. This technique encourages group members to share and learn from each other's experiences.

Question 2

A patient says, "I wish I could express my depressed feelings rather than keeping them inside." The nurse should schedule the patient to attend which type of group?

Accepted Answer

The patient's statement indicates a need to express their emotions, which would be appropriate for a special problems group. This type of group provides a safe space for patients to discuss specific issues and topics, such as depression. Social skills groups focus on improving interpersonal skills, reality orientation groups help patients with confusion or disorientation, and relapse prevention groups focus on preventing drug or alcohol relapse.

Question 3

Which comment would be most appropriate for the group leader to begin the discussion at the first meeting of a new group?

Accepted Answer

Starting by establishing rules for the group is important to create a safe and productive space for group members. It also sets expectations for behavior and participation.

Question 4

A positive outcome achieved after attending a special-problems group is evidenced by which patient statement?

Accepted Answer

Option D shows a positive outcome because the patient has gained insight into their behavior and how it affects others, which is a critical aspect of self-improvement and recovery. Option A is a good group assessment but does not necessarily indicate personal growth. Option B is somewhat neutral, as the experience not being as bad as expected could be positive or negative depending on the individual's expectations. Option C suggests a heavy reliance on the group, which may not indicate personal growth or independence.

Question 5

Which patient would benefit most from a group that focuses on reality orientation?

Accepted Answer

Reality orientation therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals with cognitive disorders, such as those seen in undifferentiated schizophrenia, where there is a disconnection from reality. It helps in re-establishing a sense of reality, improving cognitive deficits, and reducing symptoms related to schizophrenia.

Question 6

After attending a group, which statement by a patient shows evidence of benefits associated with universality?

Accepted Answer

Universality is the recognition that one is not alone and that others experience similar problems. Option D is the only statement that reflects this understanding. Option A reflects an increase in self-awareness, option B reflects support from the group, and option C reflects altruism.

Question 7

A patient admitted to an inpatient unit after a suicide attempt says, "I feel so overwhelmed. There are so many issues I have to deal with." The nurse should schedule the patient to attend which type of group to meet their initial needs?

Accepted Answer

The patient's statement suggests they may benefit from a problem-solving group where they can learn skills to effectively navigate and tackle multiple issues. Social skills and psychodrama groups may be useful later on in treatment, but the patient's current needs seem to center around problem-solving. Medication information may be important but would not fully address the patient's stated concerns.

Question 8

Which type of group is a staff nurse with 2 months' psychiatric experience best qualified to conduct?

Accepted Answer

A staff nurse with only 2 months' psychiatric experience may not have the necessary qualifications to conduct family therapy, insight-oriented psychotherapy or social skills group. However, the nurse may be able to conduct a medication education group with appropriate training and supervision.

Question 9

Which comment made by a member of a support group, best contributes to group cohesiveness and effectiveness?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which comment made by a member of...

Question 10

A talkative member of a support group for patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder has monopolized the group discussion for 15 minutes. How should the nurse leading the group best intervene?

Accepted Answer

The best intervention in this scenario would be for the nurse to address the talkative patient directly, acknowledging their contribution to the discussion while also redirecting the conversation to allow other group members to share their thoughts and experiences. Option A is not appropriate as it does not facilitate the therapeutic process of the group. Option B is also not appropriate as it enables the talkative patient to continue monopolizing the conversation. Option C could be perceived as confrontational and may not be well-received by the talkative patient.

Question 11

Which comment should the leader of a newly formed group include in the initial meeting?

Accepted Answer

It is important for the leader to set expectations and boundaries from the beginning, and punctuality is a basic expectation. The other options address specific goals or strategies that may not be relevant or applicable to all members of the group.

Question 12

An anxious, withdrawn patient is experiencing auditory hallucinations. The nurse should arrange for the patient to be enrolled in which group?

Accepted Answer

Reality orientation groups can help patients experiencing hallucinations by reinforcing their sense of reality and reducing the impact of their hallucinations. Insight-oriented and stress management groups might be beneficial later on, but initially, helping the patient distinguish between what is real and not real is crucial. Recreation might provide a distraction but does not directly address the hallucinations.

Question 13

During a support group meeting focusing on strategies to manage symptoms, a patient asks the nurse leader how to deal with angry outbursts from a supervisor. What response technique should the nurse discuss?

Accepted Answer

The answer of During a support group meeting focusing on...

Question 14

A psychiatric nurse clinician on an inpatient unit plans to lead a special-problems group for withdrawn patients. Which information will be of most assistance as the nurse prepares for this assignment?

Accepted Answer

Knowing that inpatient groups have short-term, goal-oriented sessions will help the nurse clinician to plan and structure the special-problems group appropriately. This information will also guide the nurse in setting realistic goals and outcome measures to evaluate the success of the group.

Question 15

A patient in a support group says, "I'm tired of being sick. Everyone always helps me, but I'll be glad when I can help someone else." This statement reflects what therapeutic factor?

Accepted Answer

The patient's statement reflects the therapeutic factor of altruism which is when individuals feel good about themselves when they help others. The patient wishes to contribute and help others instead of always being the one who needs help, which can increase their sense of self-worth and well-being.

Question 16

Which intervention would be most appropriate for the nurse to implement when conducting a maintenance group?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance groups often focus on providing support and fostering a sense of belonging among members. Accepting, empathizing, and showing concern are key components of creating a supportive environment that encourages ongoing participation and engagement in the group.

Question 17

What is a realistic outcome for group members of a psychoeducational group?

Accepted Answer

Psychoeducational groups are designed to provide education about a specific topic or issue. Participants are expected to gain knowledge, skills, and strategies to manage their illness, symptoms, or challenges. Therefore, understanding ways to manage their illness is a realistic outcome for group members. While developing trust and insight may also be desirable outcomes, they are not specific to psychoeducational groups. Understanding unconscious motivation may be beyond the scope and goal of a psychoeducational group.

Question 18

After a patient's first group session, the nurse asks, "How was the experience of participating in group for you?" Which communication technique is the nurse using?

Accepted Answer

The nurse is using encouraging evaluation by asking the patient for their personal experience and opinion about the group session.

Question 19

A patient in a detoxification unit asks, "What good will it do to go to Alcoholics Anonymous and talk to other people with the same problem?" The nurse's best response would be to explain that self-help groups such as AA provide opportunities for what beneficial experience?

Accepted Answer

Self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous provide opportunities for people with common problems to share their experiences with alcoholism and recovery, which can be very beneficial. Through sharing, patients can feel less alone and more understood, gain hope from success stories, and learn coping strategies from others who have gone through similar struggles. While AA does provide education about the disease of alcoholism, it is primarily a support group rather than an etiology-centered treatment program. Guidance from professional counselors and therapists may also be helpful, but AA provides a unique and supportive community of peers.

Question 20

What is the primary purpose of referring a patient to an activity group?

Accepted Answer

The primary purpose of referring a patient to an activity group is to encourage socialization and communication. This can improve their mental health and overall well-being. While assessments of social skills and providing cognitive and sensory stimulation may be secondary benefits, they are not the primary purpose. Education about leisure time may also be a secondary benefit, but it is not the primary purpose.

Quiz 10: Working With Groups of Patients