Question

An alcohol-troubled client says, "The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting really upset me. I had to go for a drink after 1 hour with those people; they're fanatics!" Which statement by the nurse would be therapeutic?1. "You think AA is for fanatics?"2. "It sounds as if you look for any reason to drink!"3. "Not any one strategy for remaining sober is best for everyone."4. "I agree. AA is definitely not for you if you find it is a trigger to drink."

Answer 1

The answer is number 3. Not any one strategy for remaining sober is best for everyone.

Explanation:

In this situation the best therapeutic approach for the nurse is to keep a friendly, supportive, non judgemental relationship with the client. In this manner she can continue to work with the client to find best ways for them to overcome the addiction together.

If the nurse was to respond in an aggressive, judgemental manner such as in answers 1 and 2 then she would lose the trust of the client and they would no longer be able to work together. In addition she is leaving the conversation open and client led by responding with answer 3 because she is saying that alcoholism can be treated in a number of ways giving the client hope which is important. If she was to respond with answer 4 this would give the client the impression that the nurse is making decisions for him/her and also shutting down the possibility that the client might benefit from AA given time.