The client is an 18-year-old college student being treated in the community mental health clinic for an adjustment disorder after receiving news of her parents' impending divorce. While talking about her feelings, she becomes angry and starts shouting and crying. She screams, "I wish they would both die!" Which of these is the most appropriate nursing response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1.This is incorrect. The client is expressing anger; she is not threatening to harm someone.
2.This is correct. The nurse should allow the client to express anger. Verbalization of feelings in a nonthreatening environment may help the client come to terms with unresolved issues.
3.This is incorrect. This statement discourages the client from expressing all of her feelings. The nurse should help the client explore angry feelings so that they may be directed toward the intended object or person.
4.This is incorrect. The client is expressing anger; she is not expressing thoughts of harming herself or others.

The Client Is an 18-Year-Old College Student Being Treated in the Community