The nurse is interviewing a client and notices that the client has made catastrophizing statements.
It would be appropriate for the nurse to recommend that the client
The nurse is interviewing a client and notices that the client has made catastrophizing statements.
It would be appropriate for the nurse to recommend that the client
A. calculate real world probabilities and focus on evidence.
[29%]
B. recognize that people and events are evaluated on a continuum, not just good or bad.
[22%]
C. create and reference a log of successes that they may have forgotten.
[15%]
D. participate in diversional activities such as physical activity or socializing.
[34%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Mental Health
Lesson
Mental Health
Client Need
Test Plan
Psychosocial Integrity
Related Topic
Coping Mechanisms
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice A is correct. Catastrophizing is a cognitive distortion when the individual assumes that the worst is most likely to happen to themselves despite any evidence. Statements such as "If this date does not go well, I will be single forever" are established without any evidence. A remedy for this cognitive distortion is to calculate real world probabilities and focus on evidence. For example, the client should state what evidence they have as a precursor to an event that indicates that a negative outcome will occur. Having the client explore what could go right instead of wrong is also helpful.
Choice B is incorrect. Discussing that events are evaluated on a continuum, not just good or bad, is an appropriate intervention for the cognitive distortion of dichotomous thinking. This is where the individual believes that everything is either one extreme or another (black or white, good or bad).
Choice C is incorrect. Advising the client to reference a log of successes that they may have forgotten is a remedy for selective abstraction. This is when an individual erroneously believes that only events that matter are failures.
Choice D is incorrect. Recommending diversional activities such as physical activity or socializing is an apt intervention for anxiety. These activities may relieve the tension that the client is experiencing.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
Defense Mechanisms in Mental Health
32.2 Psychological Concepts & Safety
Additional Info
✓ Cognitive distortions can be noticed during an interview with a client. These distortions include overgeneralizing, selective abstraction, catastrophizing, and dichotomous thinking.
✓ A key goal of a client with cognitive distortions is to have the client create a sense of self-awareness so they may independently recognize these distortive thoughts.
