the nurse is caring for a native american patient who has traditional beliefs about health and illness which action by nurse is most appropriate

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX Psychosocial Questions

1. The nurse is caring for a Native American patient who has traditional beliefs about health and illness. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

A. Avoid asking questions unless the patient initiates the conversation.
B. Ask the patient whether it is important that cultural healers are contacted.
C. Explain the usual hospital routines for meal times, care, and family visits.
D. Obtain further information about the patient's cultural beliefs from a family member.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When caring for a patient with traditional health beliefs, it is essential to respect and address their cultural practices. Asking the patient whether it is important to involve cultural healers, such as a shaman, aligns with providing culturally sensitive care. Avoiding asking questions unless initiated by the patient may hinder effective communication and understanding of the patient's needs. Consulting a family member for cultural beliefs assumes that all family members share the same beliefs, which may not be accurate. Additionally, the patient's personal beliefs should be prioritized over family input. Explaining hospital routines without considering the patient's cultural preferences may lead to a lack of patient-centered care. Therefore, the most appropriate action is to inquire about the patient's preference regarding cultural healers.

2. Which approach would be most appropriate for the involved parent of a child diagnosed with Munchausen syndrome by proxy?

A. Confrontation
B. Open communication
C. Health teaching about childrearing
D. Validation of the child's physical status

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate approach for the involved parent of a child diagnosed with Munchausen syndrome by proxy is open communication. Maintaining open communication is crucial in building a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. Confrontation may cause the parent to become defensive and hinder effective communication. Health teaching about childrearing may not be well-received at this point as the parent may not be ready for it. Validation of the child's physical status may inadvertently reinforce the parent's behavior by focusing solely on physical symptoms rather than addressing the underlying issues.

3. A client is being assessed by a nurse for increased anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. Which of the following interventions is the first priority for the nurse?

A. Administer anti-anxiety medications as prescribed by the healthcare provider
B. Engage in a conversation with the client regarding methods to enhance rest and sleep
C. Escort the client to a private room and stay with them
D. Review the client's medical history to determine previous treatment for these issues

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The first priority when dealing with a client experiencing potential mental health issues is to ensure their safety. Taking the client to a private room helps to reduce external stimuli and staying with them ensures constant monitoring and support. This intervention can prevent any escalation of anxiety or restlessness and promote a sense of security for the client. Engaging in a conversation about improving rest and sleep is important but ensuring immediate safety takes precedence. Administering medications should only be done after the client's safety is assured. Reviewing the client's medical history, while important, is not the immediate priority when the client is exhibiting acute symptoms of anxiety and restlessness.

4. Which of the following individuals is at the highest risk of suicide?

A. An 80-year-old man who lost his wife last year
B. A 36-year-old woman whose former neighbor committed suicide
C. A 40-year-old married businessman
D. A 46-year-old former alcoholic who has been sober for 12 years

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is an 80-year-old man who lost his wife last year. Certain factors increase the risk of suicide, such as recent loss of a loved one, in this case, the man's wife. The elderly are a high-risk group due to factors like social isolation, physical health issues, and bereavement. While experiencing a loss can affect anyone, the combination of age, loss of a spouse, and the associated emotional impact elevates the risk significantly. The other choices are not at the highest risk of suicide. A former alcoholic who has been sober for 12 years has taken steps towards recovery, reducing the immediate risk. A 40-year-old married businessman and a 36-year-old woman whose former neighbor committed suicide do not have the same level of immediate risk as the elderly man who recently lost his wife.

5. Under what patient conditions or situations are restraints sometimes used?

A. As punishment when the patient is uncontrollable
B. To prevent the patient from pulling their IV out
C. When a patient is a danger to self and others
D. Both B and C

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Restraints are sometimes used to prevent a patient from pulling out their IV or another life-saving tube and when the person poses a serious danger to themselves and/or others. Restraints are never used as a form of punishment. Choice A is incorrect because restraints are not utilized for punishment but for patient safety and care. Choice B and C are correct because they reflect the appropriate and necessary situations where restraints may be used in healthcare settings.