N302 Final: Communication in groups (Ch. 12)

John, a member of a support group, has noticed that over the past few weeks the group has not been ending on time and that some members have been pairing off to discuss group issues. He brings this up with the group for discussion. This is an example of which maintenance function? a. Standard setting b. Consensus taking c. Seeking information d. Initiating discussion

A Standard setting calls for the group to reassess or confirm group norms. Incorrect answers: 2. Consensus taking is a task function. 3. Seeking information is a task function. 4. Initiating is a task function.

The characteristics of a group include which of the following? Select all that apply. a. Face-to-face interactions b. Share a common purpose c. Meet over a period of time d. Has a unique personality e. Gathering of two or more people

A, B, C, D, E All of the above. A group is a gathering of two or more individuals who share a common purpose and meet over a substantial time period in face-to-face interactions to achieve an identifiable goal.

Which of the following describes groupthink? a. A member of a corporate executive committee states, "You could be making a big mistake." b. Members of a corporate executive committee fail to inform the chairperson that some middle managers do not support the decision. c. A corporate executive committee cancels a press conference in light of poor market survey results d. Members demonstrate a willingness to take interpersonal risks

B Groupthink is cohesiveness carried to an extreme. Loyalty to the group is carried to an extreme, and members are afraid to express conflicting ideas. Critical thinking and realistic appraisal are missing. Incorrect answers: 1. When groupthink occurs, members are afraid to express conflicting ideas and opinions. 3. With groupthink, members develop a unified justification about success regardless of the evidence. 4. This is an example of cohesiveness

Pedro, a group member, begins the discussion at a support group for individuals grieving the loss of a spouse. "I think the group should discuss how to handle children's feelings about the loss of a parent." Which of the following nonfunctional self-roles is represented in this situation? a. Aggressor b. Avoider c. Blocker d. Self-confessor

B Pedro is trying to avoid dealing with his loss by attempting to change the focus of the group. Incorrect answers: 1. The aggressor criticizes or blames others. 3. The blocker rejects ideas or argues an idea to death. 4. The self-confessor uses the group to express personal views.

The group leader states, "Today we discussed some of the issues about taking medications and each one of you developed a goal in relation to some of the problems you were experiencing. I think it was helpful that some of you were able to share your experiences with other group members." The leader is using the technique of: a. Harmonizing b. Summarizing c. Encouraging d. Compromising

B This is an example of summarizing. The leader links together common themes and the group's activities and makes a statement about the group dynamics. Incorrect answers: 1. Harmonizing is an attempt to reconcile disagreements. 3. Encouraging indicates unconditional acceptance of others. 4. Compromising is modification of a position in the interest of group cohesion

Which of the following is a characteristic of a secondary group? a. No leader b. Planned, time-limited association c. Linked to the values of an individual d. Spontaneously developed

B A secondary group has a planned, time-limited association. The group disbands when the group achieves its goals. Incorrect answers: 1. Secondary groups have a designated leader. 3. This is a characteristic of a primary group. 4. Secondary groups are not spontaneous

A breast cancer support group is an example of a: a. Closed group b. Open group c. Homogeneous group d. Heterogeneous group

C Homogeneous groups have a common denominator pertaining to all members, such as the same diagnosis. Incorrect answers: 1. Closed groups have a defined membership and a time commitment. 2. Open groups do not have a defined membership. 4. Heterogeneous groups represent a wide diversity.

During a support group meeting, Donald, in a teasing manner, has made several provocative remarks about your appearance and behavior as a group leader. Select your most appropriate response: a. "What do you think Donald is trying to tell us?" b. "Donald, see me after this meeting." c. "Donald, what you are saying is inappropriate." d. "Donald, you are excused from the group."

C Members who test boundaries through provocative, flattering, or insulting remarks need to have limits set promptly. Incorrect answers: 1,2 Limits need to be set promptly within the group. 4. Donald should not be excused at this stage. He needs boundaries set on his testing behaviors.

As a nursing student, you are a member of which group? a. Focus group b. Educational group c. Primary group d. Secondary group

C Primary groups are linked to the values of an individual and are chosen because of a common interest. Incorrect answers: 1,2. These are examples of secondary groups. 4. Secondary groups are planned, time-limited, and structured and have a specific purpose.

Which of the following statements is true in relation to role functions? a. When task functions predominate, member satisfaction increases b. When maintenance functions predominate, goals are achieved c. Task functions include giving and seeking information d. Role functions equate to group role position

C Seeking and giving information or opinions are task functions. Incorrect answers: 1. When task functions predominate, member satisfaction decreases. 2. When maintenance functions predominate, goals are rarely achieved. 4. Role functions differ from group positions

You are developing an Alzheimer's group for family members. During the first few sessions you know it is necessary that trust be established. An intervention to cultivate trust would be: a. Discuss role of power and influence in the group b. Do "warm up" exercises in which members reveal some personal information c. Reveal some information about yourself d. Discuss the difficulty in feeling "trusting" of each other

C This intervention will role-model trusting behavior for the group during the forming stage of the group process. Incorrect answers: 1. The role of power and influence occurs during the storming stage when trust has already developed. 2. Members may not feel comfortable revealing information until trust has developed in the group. 4. Trust is a subjective feeling of each individual and must be developed gradually over time

As you lead a group meeting, you notice that Amy and Robert are talking. Which of the following represents the best intervention? a. Ask the group, "Have you noticed who is talking at this time?" b. Address Amy and Robert, "I would like you to stop talking." c. Ask group member George, "Would you repeat what you just said to Amy and Robert?" d. Ask Amy and Robert, "Would you share your comments with the group?"

D Amy and Robert are using roles to meet self-needs at the expense of other members' needs and group values. This is a group issue; therefore the leader, in dealing with the issue, reflects it back to the group. Incorrect answers: 1. This response does not foster a safe environment in which to express feelings. 2,3. With group communication strategies, the desired communication flow is from member to member, rather than from nurse leader to client.

Joan has been asked to start a therapy group on her unit for clients suffering from schizophrenia. To set up this group, Joan knows that a. Food should not be offered because of the mess they will make b. It is easy for psychotic patients to become bored, so the room should be switched periodically c. The leader should take a passive role to avoid scaring the clients d. She should choose a fellow staff member to help co-lead the group

D Co-leadership is recommended with psychotic clients because the demands of leadership are so intense. Incorrect answers: 1. Offering refreshments is appropriate for nurturance and socialization. 2. The group session should be held in the same room at the same time because psychotic clients rely on structural cues 3. The leader needs to take a proactive role because spontaneous sharing is not the rule with psychotic clients.

A long-standing group therapy meeting has been in process for one-half hour when Mrs. Martin, a member, comes in. Another member, Mr. Hornstein, says, "I thought we agreed as a group to come on time." Mr. Hornstein's statement represents which of the following? a. Regulation b. Law c. Role d. Norm

D Group norms are behavioral standards set by the group to help the group achieve its goals. Incorrect answers: 1,2,3. These are not examples of behavioral standards set by the group.

Select the group behavior that best indicates that members are working effectively with each other. a. Members appear happy in their group interactions. b. Members say and do what is expected and wanted by others. c. Members show concern for the feelings of the group leader. d. Members are able to focus on discussion of the range of concerns of all group members.

D In an effective group, open, goal-directed communication of feelings and ideas is encouraged. Controversy is viewed as healthy. Incorrect answers: 1,2,3. These are examples of ineffective group characteristics.

You notice that Bill is quiet during meetings of a support group. What is the best intervention for involving Bill in the group process? a. Address group, "Have you noticed that Bill never talks?" b. Address group, "What can we do to involve Bill more?" c. Address Bill, "I would like to see you after the meeting." d. Address Bill, "Would you comment on what Steve just said?"

D The focus is on group interaction; therefore the leader tries to involve Bill by asking his response to what another member said, rather than giving a personal response. This is intended to help Bill feel more comfortable. Incorrect answers: 1,2. These comments may increase client's fears and anxiety. 3. The focus should be on group interaction.

When any group reviews all the significant events that have occurred during their meetings, the group has reached which phase of development? a. Formative phase b. Engagement c. Active intervention d. Termination

D The group experience is summarized during termination. Incorrect answers: 1,2,3. Engagement occurs during the forming stage and active interventions occur during the performing stage.

Grace, a group member, says meekly "John, I think you have good ideas, but do you really think this group is about that issue?" John in turn becomes defensive, saying "I don't think we can accomplish anything in this group, I don't even like sitting in this stupid circle!" The leader knows that: a. This is not a normal part of group process, so the group should be closed b. The group is entering the performing stage of group process c. John should be asked to leave the group d. Group members should be asked how they feel about what John is saying

D The leader recognizes that the group is in the storming stage of group development and that it is important that the leader remain nonreactive and redirect John's provocative remarks back to the group. Incorrect answers: 1. This is a normal phase of group development called storming. 2. The group is in the storming phase, not performing. 3. The leader needs to accept differences in group member perceptions as normal and growth-producing.