Chapter 31: Therapeutic Groups

Chapter 31: Therapeutic Groups

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. Which question should a nurse pose initially to a patient being considered for inclusion into a therapeutic group that focuses on the management of bipolar disorder?

a.	“Do you find it difficult to talk to people about your manic periods?”
b.	“Can you share with me what it is you hope to gain from this group?”
c.	“Can you tell me how this diagnosis has affected your daily life?”
d.	“What is your opinion about joining a therapeutic group?”

 

 

ANS:  D

A screening interview for a therapeutic group is conducted to assess the candidate’s eligibility for inclusion into the group. Determining whether the patient has any preconceived opinions about such a therapeutic environment would be the initial appropriate action.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   Text Page: 621

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity

 

2. Which statement should a nurse make in the orientation stage of the initial phase of a therapeutic group?

a.	“I’d like to take this opportunity to review the goals for this group.”
b.	“You all are experiencing similar challenges, and this group will help you develop a support network.”
c.	“The group is about sharing both your challenges and your successes with each other.”
d.	“Please be sure to attend as many meetings as possible; it is important that you be here for yourself and the group.”

 

 

ANS:  A

In the orientation stage, the group’s facilitator clarifies the group’s primary tasks and helps the group to agree to the contracted goals. The remaining options are discussed in other phases once the patient has agreed to the initial terms.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                REF:   Text Pages: 621-622

TOP:   Nursing Process: Implementation     MSC:  NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity

 

3. Which statement by the nurse reflects the best understanding of the issues that are addressed when establishing the contract for a therapeutic group?

a.	“What is said in this group is confidential and will not be discussed outside the meeting.”
b.	“The group contract cannot be broken and will not be altered once it is agreed on by the entire group.”
c.	“You may bring food and beverages to the meeting, but we will be responsible for cleaning up the room when we are finished.”
d.	“In order to best think about what we learn in this group each of you will be asked to write your thoughts in a personal journal.”

 

 

ANS:  A

Issues that commonly are included in a group’s contract include goals, confidentiality, meeting times, honesty, structure, and communication rules.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   Text Pages: 621-622

TOP:   Nursing Process: Implementation     MSC:  NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity

 

4. One patient in a social skills group shares, “I feel like I’m the only one who says anything in here.” Which statement made by the nurse facilitator would have the greatest therapeutic effect on the group?

a.	“Can anyone in this group respond to the statement?”
b.	“The reason you feel this way is because you do all the talking.”
c.	“Does everyone agree that no other members have participated in discussion?”
d.	“I agree that you have contributed greatly to the discussion in today’s group.”

 

 

ANS:  D

The facilitator uses confrontation by indicating that it is true that the patient has done all the talking in the group today. This is done by a good facilitator in order to spark the other group members into contributing to the statement in a safe environment. Good group facilitators will use active dimensions of empathy, genuineness, and confrontation. The above is an example of confrontation without judgment and with genuineness and empathy.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                REF:   Text Page: 625

TOP:   Nursing Process: Implementation     MSC:  NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity

 

5. A patient in a therapeutic group expresses resistance by stating, “I need to drop out of this group because I don’t think I’m getting enough from it.” Which outcome would be most appropriate for this patient?

a.	The patient stays in the group and works out problems.
b.	The patient leaves the group and enters individual therapy.
c.	The patient stays in the group but enters long-term psychotherapy.
d.	The patient leaves the group and enters one that provides more one-on-one time.

 

 

ANS:  A

Patients are screened before admission to a group to assure that it is a therapeutic modality for the patient. Being able to persist in a therapeutic group and work through problems is a successful outcome. The other options identify alternatives to persisting and achieving success with the original modality.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   Text Pages: 623-624

TOP:   Nursing Process: Outcome Identification

MSC:  NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity