Question

A nurse is teaching coping strategies to a client who is experiencing depression related to partner violence. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of teaching

a.""I will spend extra time at work to keep from feeling depressed.""Spending extra time at work to keep from feeling depressed is a maladaptive coping mechanism. Examples of adaptive coping strategies include problem solving, learning new skills, and building self-esteem.
b.""I will talk about my feelings with a close friend.""Discussing feelings, such as fear and depression, with a support person is an effective coping strategy and can provide the client with emotional support and other resources.
c.""I will be able to learn how to prevent my partner's attacks.""MY ANSWERThe client should not expect to prevent an attack from an abuser. The client should instead learn to identify warning signs and develop a safety plan to assist in escaping an unsafe environment.
d.""I will use meditation instead of taking my antidepressant.""While coping strategies, such as meditation, are often helpful in coping with feelings related to intimate partner violence, such as fear, anxiety, and depression, the client should continue to take medications as prescribed by the provider.

Answer 1

The student's question relates to differentiating effective coping strategies for depression due to partner violence. Emotion-focused coping, such as talking to a friend, indicates an understanding of coping mechanisms, while maladaptive strategies or misconceptions about control over the situation indicate a lack of understanding.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question pertains to coping strategies for someone experiencing depression due to partner violence. Recognizing effective coping strategies is vital in such situations. Discussing the teaching of coping strategies, it's essential to differentiate between problem-focused and emotion-focused coping. Problem-focused coping is about dealing directly with the source of stress, aiming to manage or change it, while emotion-focused coping involves efforts to alleviate the negative emotions associated with stress without directly altering the stressor itself. Social support plays a crucial role not only in providing emotional support but can also contribute to the development of coping strategies and overall well-being.

When dealing with partner violence, the client's indication of understanding these strategies through their statements is significant. The statement "I will talk about my feelings with a close friend" illustrates an effective use of emotion-focused coping, leveraging social support to handle emotional distress. However, other statements, such as overworking or attempting to prevent attacks from a partner, may reflect either maladaptive approaches or a misunderstanding of personal control over the situation.