The Nurse and Psychosocial Interventions

THE NURSE AND PSYCHOSOCIAL INTERVENTIONS

Intervention is a crucial component of the nursing process. Psychosocial interventions are nursing activities that enhance the client’s social and psychological functioning and improve social skills, interpersonal relationships, and communication. Nurses often use psychosocial interven-tions to help meet clients’ needs and achieve outcomes in all practice settings, not just mental health. For example, a medical-surgical nurse might need to use interventions that incorporate behavioral principles such as setting limits with manipulative behavior or giving positive feedback manipulative behavior or giving positive feedback.

For example, a client with diabetes tells the nurse,

“I promise to have just one bite of cake. Please! It’s my grandson’s birthday cake.” (manipulative behavior)

The nurse might use behavioral limit-setting by saying,

“I can’t give you permission to eat the cake. Your blood glucose level will go up if you do, and your insulin can’t be adjusted properly.”

When a client first attempts to change a colostomy bag but needs some assistance, the nurse might say,

“You gave it a good effort. You were able to complete the task with a little assistance.” (giving positive feedback)