Situation: A 24-year-old female has an intense fear of spiders. Initial intervention for the client should be to:
A. Encourage to verbalize her fears as much as she wants.
B. Assist her to find meaning to her feelings in relation to her past.
C. Establish trust through a consistent approach.
D. Accept her fears without criticizing.
Correct Answer: D. Accept her fears without criticizing.
The client cannot control her fears although the client knows it’s silly and can joke about it. Open up about your awareness of the patient’s fear. This approach validates the feelings the patient is holding and demonstrates recognition of those feelings. Tell the patient that fear is a normal and appropriate response to circumstances in which pain, danger, or loss of control is anticipated or felt. This reassurance places fear within the field of normal human experiences.
Option A: Allow expression of the client’s fears but he should focus on other productive activities as well. Discuss the situation with the patient and help differentiate between real and imagined threats to well-being. This approach helps the patient deal with fear.
Option B: Provide accurate information if irrational fears based on incorrect information are present. Replacing inaccurate beliefs into accurate information reduces anxiety. If a patient’s fear is a reasonable response, empathize with him or her. Avoid false reassurances and be truthful. Reassure patients that asking for help is both a sign of strength and a step toward resolution of the problem.
Option C: Be with the patient to promote safety especially during frightening procedures or treatment. The physical connection with a trusted person helps the patient feel secure and safe during a period of fear. Maintain a relaxed and accepting demeanor while communicating with the patient. The patient’s feeling of stability increases in a peaceful and non-threatening environment.