Nursing Elites

1. During her shift at the hospital, a nurse receives a stern reprimand from a physician over something over which she had no control. The nurse does not respond. When she returns home that evening, she sees her children's toys all over the floor, gets mad, and begins to yell at them. Which form of defense mechanism is this nurse using?

• A. Symbolization
• B. Suppression
• C. Displacement
• D. Projection

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Displacement is the process of redirecting feelings or impulses from one person to another. In this scenario, the nurse chose not to respond to the physician, but instead displaced her negative emotions onto her children, who are less threatening and more vulnerable. This defense mechanism allowed her to express her anger in a safer outlet. Symbolization involves representing unconscious feelings or impulses through symbols, not redirecting them. Suppression is the conscious effort to push unwanted thoughts or feelings out of awareness, not displacing them onto others. Projection involves attributing one's thoughts or emotions to someone else, which is not evident in this case.

2. A new mother with class II heart disease tells the nurse that she is afraid her heart condition will prevent her from caring for her baby at home when she is discharged. How would the nurse respond?

• A. Suggest that the client arrange for help at home
• B. Ask the client to describe her concerns more fully
• C. Tell the client to speak to her primary health care provider about her concerns
• D. Recommend that the client schedule times when family members can assist her

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client expresses fear or concern, it is essential for the nurse to first explore and understand the client's feelings and worries. Asking the client to describe her concerns more fully allows the nurse to gather more information, which is crucial in providing appropriate support and guidance. Suggesting that the client arrange for help at home is presumptuous and may not align with the client's preferences or resources. Telling the client to speak to her primary health care provider shifts the responsibility and does not directly address the client's immediate fears. Recommending that she schedule times when family members can assist her assumes the availability and willingness of family members without addressing the client's emotional needs and fears directly.

3. What is the similarity between the stage-crisis theory proposed by Havighurst and the psychosocial development theory formulated by Erikson?

• A. Based on developmental tasks
• B. Incorporate eight stages of development
• C. Based on changes in a person's thoughts and emotions
• D. Emphasize that a child's growth is directed by individual gene activity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Both Havighurst's stage-crisis theory and Erikson's psychosocial development theory are grounded in the concept of developmental tasks. They both emphasize that successful completion of specific tasks at various life stages is crucial for healthy development. While Erikson's theory consists of eight stages of psychosocial development, Havighurst's theory comprises six stages. The idea that a child's growth is guided by individual gene activity is attributed to Gesell's theory, not Havighurst or Erikson. The emphasis on changes in a person's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors shaping beliefs about morality aligns with moral development theory, not specifically with Havighurst's or Erikson's theories.

4. Which is an example of an intentional tort?

• A. Negligence
• B. Malpractice
• C. Breach of duty
• D. False imprisonment

Correct answer: D

Rationale: False imprisonment is a clear example of an intentional tort where one person deliberately confines another without lawful justification. It involves intentional, wrongful restraint of a person's freedom of movement. Negligence, on the other hand, is an unintentional tort that occurs when someone fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to others. Malpractice, which involves professional negligence, is also classified as an unintentional tort as it is a failure to meet the standard of care expected in a particular profession. Breach of duty, while a legal concept, is not an example of an intentional tort. It refers to a failure to fulfill a legal obligation or duty owed to another party, often leading to legal consequences, but it is not categorized as an intentional tort.

5. Which communication technique is a part of therapeutic communication?

• A. Asking for explanations
• B. Showing sympathy to the client
• C. Asking personal questions of the client
• D. Providing relevant information to the client

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is providing relevant information to the client. In therapeutic communication, it is essential to provide clients with all pertinent information to help them understand their health status and what to expect. This empowers clients and promotes trust in the nurse-client relationship. Asking for explanations, showing sympathy, and asking personal questions are examples of nontherapeutic communication techniques. Asking personal questions can intrude on the client's privacy and may not be relevant to their care. Showing sympathy, while well-intentioned, may come across as pity rather than true empathy. Asking for explanations can sometimes put clients on the defensive rather than fostering a collaborative dialogue.

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