A nurse is working with a client on recognizing the relationship between alcohol abuse and interpersonal problems. Which of the following is the priority intervention?

A nurse is working with a client on recognizing the relationship between alcohol abuse and interpersonal problems. Which of the following is the priority intervention?

• A. Help the client identify personal strengths.
• B. Help the client decrease compulsive behaviors.
• C. Examine the client's use of defense mechanisms.
• D. Have the client work with peers who can serve as role models.

Answer: (C)

The priority intervention in this scenario focuses on examining the client's use of defense mechanisms. Understanding defense mechanisms is crucial for clients dealing with alcohol abuse, as these psychological strategies often serve as coping mechanisms to handle stress, anxiety, and unresolved interpersonal issues. By examining how the client uses these mechanisms, the nurse can help the client gain insight into their behaviors and thought patterns, which may allow them to recognize maladaptive ways of coping. This process can facilitate self-awareness and promote healthier coping strategies, ultimately leading to improved interpersonal relationships. Addressing these underlying psychological elements is foundational for effective treatment and recovery, making this intervention a priority. Other options, while beneficial in their own right, do not directly address the root psychological concerns that often drive substance abuse. Identifying personal strengths, decreasing compulsive behaviors, and working with peers for role modeling can all be integral parts of a comprehensive treatment plan, but they may not have the immediate impact of understanding and addressing the defense mechanisms in place.

The priority intervention in this scenario focuses on examining the client's use of defense mechanisms. Understanding defense mechanisms is crucial for clients dealing with alcohol abuse, as these psychological strategies often serve as coping mechanisms to handle stress, anxiety, and unresolved interpersonal issues. By examining how the client uses these mechanisms, the nurse can help the client gain insight into their behaviors and thought patterns, which may allow them to recognize maladaptive ways of coping.

This process can facilitate self-awareness and promote healthier coping strategies, ultimately leading to improved interpersonal relationships. Addressing these underlying psychological elements is foundational for effective treatment and recovery, making this intervention a priority.

Other options, while beneficial in their own right, do not directly address the root psychological concerns that often drive substance abuse. Identifying personal strengths, decreasing compulsive behaviors, and working with peers for role modeling can all be integral parts of a comprehensive treatment plan, but they may not have the immediate impact of understanding and addressing the defense mechanisms in place.