A nurse is readmitting a client diagnosed with co-occurring diagnoses of schizophrenia and alcohol use disorder who has relapsed. The client says, "I'm just a failure. I'll never be anything but just a drunk." Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A more supportive approach is appropriate, in which relapses are treated as an expected part of the recovery process. Addressing relapse risk is part of treatment planning. The nurse should focus on examining behavior, feelings, and the thinking process that led to the relapse. The nurse must avoid blame and guilt-inducing statements. A confrontational, interactive approach will not benefit this population and could even alienate clients. Telling the client that he or she needs to face the fact that about being an alcoholic is unsupportive. The client has two separate disorders, so telling the client that schizophrenia is the cause for drinking is inaccurate. Although asking the client to clarify what is meant by the word "drunk" might be important, the client has a long-standing history of both disorders and this does nothing to address the issue of relapse.

A Nurse Is Readmitting a Client Diagnosed with Co-Occurring Diagnoses