The nurse is to meet a family for the first family therapy session.The husband/father is an accountant who admits to being skeptical of the idea that talking can help the family strengthen its ability to cope with life stressors.The wife/mother is a teacher who states she is not skillful in conflict resolution.The son,aged 15 years,defies parents and teachers and is in academic trouble.The daughter,aged 17 years,is trying to decide whether to attend a local college and live at home or attend an out-of-state university.During the first meeting,the nurse should plan to:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The perspective of each family member must be elicited and heard.Not only does the nurse gain information with this technique,but family members may be hearing the information for the first time and will come to better understand the position and feelings of other members.Maintaining a focus on the here and now may not be appropriate,because a certain amount of history may be relevant at the first meeting.Education regarding a particular disorder would be premature;further assessment is needed to confirm the diagnosis.Outcomes should be negotiated by the entire family,not imposed by the nurse.

The Nurse Is to Meet a Family for the First