Question

The nurse is providing education to a family member of a client diagnosed with a pathologic gambling disorder. Which of the following statements indicates that learning has taken place and the family member understands the disorder?

A. "I will challenge his overconfident statements about winning."
B. "I will restrict access to money sources, which will decrease the urge to gamble."
C. "I will praise winning streaks and disapprove of losing streaks when he gambles."
D. "I will encourage a buddy system and provide a companion for him when her gambles."

Answer 1

The correct statement showing understanding of pathological gambling disorder is restricting access to money to decrease the urge to gamble. This intervention aligns with the neurological understanding of gambling addiction and its effects on brain chemistry similar to those of addictive drugs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement that indicates that learning has taken place and the family member understands the disorder is: B. "I will restrict access to money sources, which will decrease the urge to gamble." This understanding is crucial because, as research shows, gambling can activate the brain's reward centers, similar to addictive drugs, through the neurotransmitter dopamine.

Even near misses in gambling can stimulate this dopamine response reinforcing the gambling behavior. Therefore restricting access to money can be a part of a strategy to reduce the gambling behavior. Pathological gambling is now recognized as an addiction in the DSM-5, because of its similar effects on the brain as seen in substance abuse. Understanding the role of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine helps in comprehending why gambling is addictive and challenging to overcome. Praising winning streaks or providing a companion for gambling (options C and D) would reinforce the gambling behavior instead of mitigating it.