Question

A new patient in an alcoholism rehabilitation program says, "I'm actually a social drinker. I usually have a drink or two at brunch, a few cocktails in the afternoon, wine at dinner, and a few drinks in the evening." Which response by the nurse is designed to help the patient view the drinking more honestly?

A. "Being a social drinker involves having a drink or two once or twice a week."
B. "I see," and use interested silence
C. "I think you may be drinking even more than you report."
D. "You describe drinking steadily throughout the day and evening. Am I correct?"

Answer 1

The best nursing response to help the patient view their drinking more honestly is the reflective statement 'You describe drinking steadily throughout the day and evening. Am I correct?', as it prompts self-assessment without judgment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The response 'D. "You describe drinking steadily throughout the day and evening. Am I correct?"' is designed to reflect the patient's statement without judgment, prompting the patient to view their drinking behavior more objectively. This mirrors therapeutic communication techniques where health clinicians employ reflective listening, which can help patients recognize the extent of their alcohol consumption. Reflecting the patient's own words back to them can make the reality of the situation more apparent without the clinician putting their own interpretation on it.