A client recovering from alcohol abuse needs to develop effective coping skills to handle daily stressors. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention for this client?

A client recovering from alcohol abuse needs to develop effective coping skills to handle daily stressors. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention for this client?

• A. Determine the client's level of verbal skills.
• B. Help the client avoid areas that cause conflict.
• C. Discuss examples of successful coping behavior.
• D. Teach the client to accept uncomfortable situations.

Answer: (C)

The most appropriate nursing intervention in this scenario is to discuss examples of successful coping behavior. This intervention is essential because it actively engages the client in identifying and reviewing methods that have been effective in managing stress in the past. By discussing these examples, the nurse helps the client build a toolkit of strategies that are tailored to their specific needs, enriching their capacity to cope with stressors in a healthy manner. Fostering awareness of successful coping behaviors encourages the client to apply these strategies in real-life scenarios, which is crucial in their recovery journey. This proactive approach also enhances self-efficacy and resilience, both of which are vital for avoiding relapse into alcohol abuse when faced with challenges. The other options do not promote the development of coping skills as effectively. Assessing verbal skills focuses more on client communication rather than coping strategies. Avoiding conflict might offer temporary relief but does not equip the client with long-term, sustainable coping mechanisms. Teaching acceptance of uncomfortable situations could be part of a broader strategy, but it doesn't provide specific, actionable behaviors like discussing successful coping strategies does, which have proven practical application in the client’s life.

The most appropriate nursing intervention in this scenario is to discuss examples of successful coping behavior. This intervention is essential because it actively engages the client in identifying and reviewing methods that have been effective in managing stress in the past. By discussing these examples, the nurse helps the client build a toolkit of strategies that are tailored to their specific needs, enriching their capacity to cope with stressors in a healthy manner.

Fostering awareness of successful coping behaviors encourages the client to apply these strategies in real-life scenarios, which is crucial in their recovery journey. This proactive approach also enhances self-efficacy and resilience, both of which are vital for avoiding relapse into alcohol abuse when faced with challenges.

The other options do not promote the development of coping skills as effectively. Assessing verbal skills focuses more on client communication rather than coping strategies. Avoiding conflict might offer temporary relief but does not equip the client with long-term, sustainable coping mechanisms. Teaching acceptance of uncomfortable situations could be part of a broader strategy, but it doesn't provide specific, actionable behaviors like discussing successful coping strategies does, which have proven practical application in the client’s life.