A patient diagnosed with alcohol use disorder says, "Drinking helps me cope with being a single parent." Which therapeutic response by the nurse would help the patient conceptualize the drinking objectively?
A) "Sooner or later, alcohol will kill you. Then what will happen to your children?"
B) "I hear a lot of defensiveness in your voice. Do you really believe this?"
C) "If you were coping so well, why were you hospitalized again?"
D) "Tell me what happened the last time you drank."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct response will help the patient see alcohol as a cause of the problems, not a solution, and begin to take responsibility. This approach can help the patient become receptive to the possibility of change. The other responses directly confront and attack defenses against anxiety that the patient still needs. They reflect the nurse's frustration with the patient.

A Patient Diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder Says, "Drinking Helps