How should the practical nurse respond to Mrs. Martin about her husband's relapse after promising he stopped drinking?

How should the practical nurse respond to Mrs. Martin about her husband's relapse after promising he stopped drinking?

• A. Your husband is trying to change a long-term habit, and lapses are sometimes to be expected.
• B. Because of the effects of alcohol on the brain, he likely did not know what he was doing.
• C. He probably can't help himself.
• D. Why do you think he was lying to you?

Answer: (A)

Relapse is a common part of the recovery journey when someone is trying to change a long-standing habit like alcohol use. The brain and body have adapted to drinking over many years, so cravings, stress, and triggers can lead to a lapse even when there’s a strong commitment to quit. The best way to respond is to be supportive, validate Mrs. Martin’s feelings, and reinforce that a lapse doesn’t mean failure or moral weakness. A response that normalizes the setback and focuses on continuing care helps keep the door open for ongoing treatment, coping strategies, and relapse prevention plans. So saying that her husband is trying to change a long-term habit and lapses are sometimes to be expected reflects empathy, reduces blame, and encourages Mrs. Martin to stay engaged with his recovery and with supportive resources. Other choices tend to assign blame, deny agency, or imply deceit, which can undermine trust and collaboration in the recovery process.

Relapse is a common part of the recovery journey when someone is trying to change a long-standing habit like alcohol use. The brain and body have adapted to drinking over many years, so cravings, stress, and triggers can lead to a lapse even when there’s a strong commitment to quit. The best way to respond is to be supportive, validate Mrs. Martin’s feelings, and reinforce that a lapse doesn’t mean failure or moral weakness. A response that normalizes the setback and focuses on continuing care helps keep the door open for ongoing treatment, coping strategies, and relapse prevention plans.

So saying that her husband is trying to change a long-term habit and lapses are sometimes to be expected reflects empathy, reduces blame, and encourages Mrs. Martin to stay engaged with his recovery and with supportive resources.

Other choices tend to assign blame, deny agency, or imply deceit, which can undermine trust and collaboration in the recovery process.