Question

A 15-year-old male who is mildly mentally disabled is admitted to the adolescent unit because he repeatedly refuses to complete personal hygiene. The healthcare provider prescribes that the client brush his teeth three times a day. In the psychiatric team conference, a behavior modification program recommended to engage the client's participation. When implementing this technique, which reinforcement is best for the practical nurse (PN) to provide?

A. Candy for each successful hygiene task, like brushing his teeth.

B. Preferred activities or tokens for each compliance.

C. Privilege restriction or fines for refusals to complete a hygienic task.

D. Unit tasks for each omission of teeth brushing.

Answer 1

The best reinforcement for the 15-year-old boy to complete personal hygiene tasks is preferred activities or tokens per compliance, utilizing a token economy system, which is effective in behavior modification.

Step-by-step explanation:

When implementing a behavior modification program to engage a 15-year-old male who is mildly mentally disabled and refuses to complete personal hygiene tasks, the most effective reinforcement for a practical nurse (PN) to provide would be preferred activities or tokens for each compliance. This technique, known as a token economy, uses tokens as secondary reinforcers, which can later be traded in for rewards that the client values. Research has shown that token economies are very effective for modifying behavior in a variety of settings, including those with individuals who might need additional support, like persons with disabilities. Offering candy as a reinforcer could pose dietary and health issues, while punishment through privilege restriction or fines can lead to negative outcomes and decreased motivation. Assigning unit tasks for omissions may not be conducive to encouraging positive behavior change.