Nursing Elites

1. A seriously ill female client tells the nurse, 'I am so tired and in so much pain! Please help me to die.' Which is the best response for the nurse to provide?

• A. Administer the prescribed maximum dose of pain medication.
• B. Talk with the client about her feelings related to her own death.
• C. Collaborate with the healthcare provider about initiating antidepressant therapy.
• D. Refer the client to the ethics committee of her local healthcare facility.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should first assess the client's feelings about her death and determine the extent to which this statement expresses her true feelings. The client may need additional pain management, but further assessment is needed before implementing option A. Option B is the correct response as it focuses on addressing the client's emotional needs and providing support. Option C is premature as initiating antidepressant therapy without a thorough assessment may not be appropriate. Option D is not the best course of action at this point; involving the ethics committee should be considered only after a comprehensive evaluation and discussion with the client.

2. A client dies while several family members are in the room. Which intervention will the hospice nurse initially use during the shock phase of a grief reaction?

• A. Stay at the bedside with the family and the deceased.
• B. Direct activities related to funeral arrangements.
• C. Mobilize the support systems for the family.
• D. Present the full reality of the loss to the family.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During the shock phase of a grief reaction, the hospice nurse's initial intervention should be to stay at the bedside with the family and the deceased. This action provides immediate support to the family until coping mechanisms and personal support systems can be mobilized. Directing activities related to funeral arrangements is not within the nurse's role and responsibility. Mobilizing the support systems for the family is important, but staying with the family and the deceased helps in providing immediate comfort and support. Presenting the full reality of the loss to the family is not appropriate during the shock phase as acceptance of the loss takes time and is not the immediate priority.

3. Which of the following examples indicates that the nurse is giving recognition as a form of therapeutic communication?

• A. You need to take your medicine now, Adam.
• B. Jill, your father is trying to make amends with you.
• C. The physician wants to meet with you and your husband, Amy.
• D. Linda, you brushed your hair this morning.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Recognition is a form of therapeutic communication in which the nurse points out a positive aspect of the client's behavior. Noting that a client brushed her hair herself indicates that the nurse recognizes the client's attempts at self-care. This recognition shows the client that the nurse is paying attention and may be open to further communication. Choices A, B, and C do not demonstrate recognition. Choice A focuses on a directive statement, Choice B involves informing the client about a situation without acknowledging their actions, and Choice C informs the client about a meeting without providing recognition for any behavior.

4. The nurse plans care for a hospitalized patient who uses culturally based treatments. Which action by the nurse is best?

• A. Encourage the use of diagnostic procedures.
• B. Coordinate the use of folk treatments with ordered medical therapies.
• C. Ask the patient to discontinue the cultural treatments during hospitalization.
• D. Teach the patient that folk remedies will interfere with orders by the healthcare provider.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best action for the nurse is to coordinate the use of folk treatments with ordered medical therapies. Many culturally based therapies can complement Western treatments and medications. It is essential for the nurse to integrate both traditional folk treatments and Western therapies to provide holistic care. Some culturally based treatments can effectively complement Western medicine in treating diseases. Encouraging the patient to continue some culturally based treatments during hospitalization can enhance their overall well-being. Asking the patient to discontinue cultural treatments or teaching that folk remedies interfere with Western therapies may not align with the patient's beliefs and could hinder their care.

5. After a client has a spontaneous abortion at 12 weeks' gestation, the nurse notes that both she and her partner are visibly upset and crying. Which statement would be a therapeutic response?

• A. 'I'll be here if you want to talk.''
• B. 'Try to relax"?it'll speed up the healing process.''
• C. 'With any luck, you'll get pregnant again soon.''
• D. 'It's best that this happened early rather than having the baby die after it was born.''

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A therapeutic response in this situation is to offer support and empathy. Saying, 'I'll be here if you want to talk' gives the client and her partner the opportunity to express their emotions and seek comfort. It acknowledges their distress and assures them of the nurse's availability. Choice B, advising to relax to speed up the healing process, dismisses their current emotions and may hinder open communication. Choice C, suggesting getting pregnant again soon, minimizes their grief over the loss and may not be what the couple needs to hear at that moment. Choice D, stating it's best that the miscarriage happened early, is insensitive as it invalidates the couple's feelings of loss and grief. Grieving is a natural process, and the timing of the loss does not diminish its significance.

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