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A client and her infant have been diagnosed as being positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). When the mother is observed crying, the nurse determines that which intervention will meet the client's initial needs?
- A. Discussing how the mother was exposed to HIV
- B. Sitting quietly with the mother as she talks and cries
- C. Describing the progressive stages and treatments of HIV
- D. Calling an HIV counselor to make an appointment for the mother and infant
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This client has just received devastating news and needs to have someone present with her as she begins to cope with this issue. The nurse needs to sit and actively listen while the mother talks and cries. Examining the mother and describing the progression and treatment of HIV is not appropriate for this stage of coping. Calling an HIV counselor may be helpful, but it is not what the client needs initially.
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A community health nurse is caring for a group of homeless people. What is the most immediate concern when planning for the potential needs of this group?
- A. Finding affordable housing for the group
- B. Setting up a 24-hour crisis center and hotline
- C. Providing peer support through structured support groups
- D. Ensuring that adequate food, shelter, and clothing are available
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The question asks about the situation's most immediate concern. The initial community health concern is always attending to people's basic physiological needs of food, shelter, and clothing. Finding affordable housing and providing crisis intervention and peer support are meaningful interventions that may be completed at a later time.
A client diagnosed with incurable cancer has a life expectancy of a few weeks. Which response indicates that the client's partner is reacting with an expected coping response?
- A. Refusing to visit the client
- B. Expresses anger with his God
- C. Not allowing the death to occur at home
- D. Sending the children to live with relatives
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anger is a normal stage of the grieving process and is an expected coping response when facing the imminent loss of a loved one. Expressing anger toward a spiritual entity, such as God, is a common way for individuals to process their grief. Refusing to visit the client indicates avoidance or denial, which may not be constructive. Not allowing the death to occur at home or sending children to live with relatives may reflect practical decisions but do not directly indicate an expected emotional coping response related to grief.
When a client is dead on arrival (DOA) to the emergency department, the family states that they do not want an autopsy performed. Which statement should the nurse make in response to the family?
- A. Autopsies are mandatory for clients who are DOA.'
- B. Federal law requires autopsies for clients who are DOA.'
- C. The medical examiner makes the decision about autopsies.'
- D. I will make sure the medical examiner is aware of your request.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should notify the medical examiner or the coroner when a family wishes to avoid having an autopsy on a deceased family member. Normally the medical examiner will honor the family request unless there is a state law requiring the autopsy. Depending on the state, it is not mandatory for every client who is DOA to have an autopsy. However, many states require an autopsy in specific circumstances, including sudden death, a suspicious death, and death within 24 hours of admission to the hospital. Autopsy is not a requirement under federal law.
A client comes into the emergency department demonstrating manifestations indicative of a severe state of anxiety. What is the priority nursing intervention at this time?
- A. Remaining with the client
- B. Placing the client in a quiet room
- C. Teaching the client deep-breathing exercises
- D. Encouraging the expression of feelings and concerns
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: If the client is left alone with severe anxiety, the client may feel abandoned and become overwhelmed. Placing the client in a quiet room is also indicated, but the nurse must stay with the client. It is not possible to teach the client deep-breathing or relaxation exercises until the anxiety decreases. Encouraging the client to discuss concerns and feelings would not take place until the anxiety has decreased.
The nurse is interacting with the family of a client who is unconscious as a result of a head injury. Which approach should the nurse use to help the family cope with their concerns?
- A. Explain equipment and procedures on an ongoing basis.
- B. Discuss displaying their grief only when not in the room with the client.
- C. Discourage them from touching the client in order to minimize stimulation.
- D. Explain that they need their rest so they should adhere to regular visiting hours.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Families often need assistance to cope with the sudden severe illness of a loved one. The nurse should explain all equipment, treatments, and procedures, and he or she should supplement or reinforce the information given by the primary health care provider. Displaying grief is a normal process and should not be discouraged. The family should be encouraged to touch and speak to the client and become involved in the client's care in some way if they are comfortable with doing so. The nurse should allow the family to stay with the client whenever possible. This is important for both the client and the family.