A nurse interacts with a client who smoked marijuana daily for 10 years and expresses a lack of goals. What intervention is most appropriate?

• A. Focus the interaction
• B. Use nonverbal methods
• C. Use reflection techniques
• D. Ask open-ended questions

Answer: (A)

The most appropriate intervention in this scenario is to focus the interaction. This approach encourages the nurse to direct the conversation towards the client’s experiences and feelings regarding their daily marijuana use and its impact on their life. By concentrating on the interaction, the nurse can create a supportive environment that may help the client articulate their thoughts and feelings about their lack of goals and the potential connection to substance use.

Focusing the interaction also allows the nurse to build rapport and trust, which is essential in conversations that may touch on sensitive topics such as addiction and personal aspirations. It creates a space where the client feels heard and understood, enabling the exploration of underlying issues that may contribute to their current state of mind.

While other techniques like using nonverbal methods, reflection, or asking open-ended questions can also be valuable in building therapeutic communication, focusing the interaction specifically aligns with addressing the client's immediate concerns and fostering engagement. By prioritizing the interaction, the nurse can guide the discussion effectively and pave the way for deeper exploration and potential goal setting in future sessions.