White, a 55-year-old sales agent, has been drinking 7 to 10 cans of beer per day for the past five years. The client says alcohol helps him function at work. Mr. White says, "I'm sure I can cut down on my drinking. Drinking socially won't be a problem." Which of the following responses made by the nurse is the most appropriate?
A)"How many cans of beer does a social drinker consume per day?"
B)"Has alcohol caused any major problems in your life?"
C)"What can you do to become a social drinker?"
D)"Why do you abuse alcohol just to function at work?"

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The question, "Has alcohol caused any major problems in your life?" is the most appropriate response. Asking this question will help the client recall the destructive results of alcohol abuse and the reasons behind the abuse. Asking the client how many cans of beer a social drinker consumes on a daily basis and what he can do to become a social drinker encourage the client to defend himself and to deny the existence of the problem. Asking why questions places the client in a defensive position.

White, a 55-Year-Old Sales Agent, Has Been Drinking 7 to 10