Chapter 33: Therapeutic Groups

Chapter 33: Therapeutic Groups

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. A patient tells members of a therapy group, “I hear voices saying my doctor is poisoning me.” Another patient replies, “I used to hear voices too. They sounded real, but I found out later they were not. The voices you hear are not real either.” Which therapeutic factor is exemplified in this interchange?

ANS:  D

Here a member gains insight into his own experiences from hearing about the experiences of others through interpersonal learning. Catharsis refers to a therapeutic discharge of emotions. Universality refers to members realizing their feelings are common to most people and not abnormal. Imitative behavior involves copying or borrowing the adaptive behavior of others.

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)

REF:   Page 608 (Box 33-2) | Page 612 (Table 33-4)

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity

2. A leader plans to start a new self-esteem building group. Which intervention would be most helpful for assuring mutual respect within the group?

ANS:  A

It is helpful to motivate members to behave respectfully by describing how mutual respect benefits all members and is necessary for the group to be fully therapeutic. Setting a tone and expectation of mutual respect from the outset is the most helpful intervention listed. Excluding members because of how they might behave could exclude members who would have been appropriate, depriving them of the potential benefits of the group. Conveying expectations by brochure is less effective than doing so orally, because it lacks the connection to each member a skilled leader can create to motivate members and impart the expectation of respect. Confronting inappropriate behavior is therapeutic but only addresses existing behavior rather than preventing all such undesired behavior.

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)

REF:   Page 610        TOP:   Nursing Process: Planning

MSC:  Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity

3. A young female member in a therapy group says to an older female member, “You are just like my mother, always trying to control me with your observations and suggestions.”   Which therapeutic factor of a group is evident by this behavior?

ANS:  D

The younger patient is demonstrating an emotional attachment to the older patient that mirrors patterns within her own family of origin, a phenomenon called corrective recapitulation of the primary family group. Feedback from the group then helps the member gain insight about this behavior and leads to more effective ways of relating to her family members. Instillation of hope involves conveying optimism and sharing progress. Existential resolution refers to the realization that certain existential experiences such as death are part of life, aiding the adjustment to such realities. Development of socializing techniques involves gaining social skills through the group’s feedback and practice within the group.

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)

REF:   Page 608 (Box 33-2)                       TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment

MSC:  Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity

4. During group therapy, one patient says to another, “When I first started in this group, you were unable to make a decision, but now you can. You’ve made a lot of progress. I am beginning to think that maybe I can conquer my fears too.”  Which therapeutic factor is evident by this statement?

ANS:  A

The patient’s profession that he may be able to learn to cope more effectively reflects hope. Groups can instill hope in individuals who are demoralized or pessimistic. Altruism refers to doing good for others, which can result in positive feelings about oneself. Catharsis refers to venting of strong emotions. Cohesion refers to coming together and developing a connection with other group members.

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)

REF:   Page 608-609 (Box 33-2)                 TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment

MSC:   Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity