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A community health nurse visits a recently widowed retired military client. When the nurse visits, the ordinarily immaculate house is in chaos, and the client is disheveled and has an alcohol type of odor on his breath. Which therapeutic statement should the nurse make to the client?
- A. I can see this isn't a good time to visit.
- B. You seem to be having a very troubling time.
- C. Do you think your wife would want you to behave like this?
- D. What are you doing? How much are you drinking and for how long?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The therapeutic statement is the one that helps the client explore his situation and express his feelings. Reflection, by telling the client that the nurse feels that he is experiencing a troubled or difficult time, is empathic, and it will assist the client with beginning to ventilate his feelings. Option 1 uses humor to avoid therapeutic intimacy and effective problem-solving. Option 3 uses admonishment and tries to shame the client, which is not therapeutic or professional. This social communication belittles the client, will likely cause anger, and may evoke 'acting out' by the client. Option 4 uses social communication.
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The nurse is performing an assessment on a 16-year-old client who has been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Which statement by the client should the nurse identify as a priority requiring a need for further teaching?
- A. I check my weight every day without fail.'
- B. I exercise 3 to 4 hours every day to keep my slim figure.'
- C. I've been told that I am 10% below my ideal body weight.'
- D. My best friend was in the hospital with this disorder a year ago.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Exercising 3 to 4 hours every day is excessive physical activity and unrealistic for a 16-year-old girl. The nurse needs to further assess this statement immediately to find out why the client feels the need to exercise this much to maintain her figure. It is not considered abnormal to check the weight every day; many clients with anorexia nervosa check their weight close to 20 times a day. A weight that exceeds 15% below the ideal weight is significant for clients with anorexia nervosa. Although it is unfortunate that the client's best friend had this disorder, this is not considered a major threat to this client's physical well-being.
A charge nurse is supervising a new nurse who is providing care to a client diagnosed with end-stage heart failure. The client is withdrawn and reluctant to talk, and shows little interest in participating in hygienic care or activities. Which statement, if made by the new nurse to the client, indicates that the new nurse has a need for further teaching regarding the use of therapeutic communication techniques?
- A. What are your feelings right now?'
- B. Why don't you feel like getting up for your bath?'
- C. These dreams you mentioned, what are they like?'
- D. Many clients with end-stage heart failure fear death.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When the nurse asks a 'why' question of the client, the nurse is requesting an explanation for feelings and behaviors when the client may not know the reason. Requesting an explanation is a nontherapeutic communication technique. In option 1, the nurse is encouraging the verbalization of emotions or feelings, which is a therapeutic communication technique. In option 3, the nurse is using the therapeutic communication technique of exploring, which involves asking the client to describe something in more detail or to discuss it more fully. In option 4, the nurse is using the therapeutic communication technique of giving information. Identifying the common fear of death among clients with end-stage heart failure may encourage the client to voice concerns.
A 37-year-old woman with a history of fibroids and menorrhagia that have not been responsive to hormonal treatments is admitted with severe menorrhagia resulting in anemia. She also has depression and pelvic pain. She is crying and states, 'I don't know what to do"?my primary health care provider is recommending a hysterectomy, but I haven't had children yet!' Which response would the nurse provide?
- A. There are so many children up for adoption, looking for a mother.'
- B. This must feel so difficult for you. Children are really important to you?'
- C. This must feel so difficult for you. Although Children should not be important to you.'
- D. Believe me when I tell you that kids are so difficult to raise"?you're better off without them.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct response is to acknowledge the client's feelings and provide an open-ended question to encourage further expression. By expressing empathy and understanding, the nurse can create a supportive environment for the client. This approach allows the client to explore her emotions and concerns freely. Option A, suggesting adoption, may come across as dismissive of the client's current emotional state and may not address her immediate needs. Option D is insensitive and dismissive of the client's feelings and desires regarding having children. It is important to avoid making assumptions or judgments about the client's situation. Option C is a duplicate of Option B, and while it shows empathy, it lacks variety in communication, which may limit the depth of the conversation and the nurse's understanding of the client's needs.
A client who was admitted for the treatment of thyroid storm (hyperthyroidism) is preparing for discharge. The client is anxious about the illness and is, at times, emotionally labile. Which intervention is most appropriate for the nurse to implement at this time?
- A. Assist the client with identifying coping skills, support systems, and potential stressors.
- B. Avoid teaching the client anything about the disease until he or she is emotionally stable.
- C. Reassure the client that everything will usually be fine after returning to one's home and family.
- D. Explain that being able to control of one's behavior must be achieved being discharge to home can occur.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: It is normal for clients who experience thyroid storm (hyperthyroidism) to continue to be anxious and emotionally labile at the time of discharge. The best intervention is to help the client cope with these changes in behavior and to anticipate potential stressors so that symptoms will not be as severe. Options 2 and 3 block communication by either avoiding the issue or providing false reassurance. The confrontation described in option 4 will only heighten his anxiety.
What is the nurse's initial plan for providing pain relief measures during labor for a pregnant client with a history of opioid abuse?
- A. Scheduling pain medication at regular intervals
- B. Administering the medication only when the pain is severe
- C. Avoiding the administration of medication unless it is requested
- D. Recognizing that less pain medication will be needed by this client compared with other women in labor
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a pregnant client with a history of opioid abuse, scheduling pain medication at regular intervals is the initial plan for providing pain relief during labor. This client may have a lower tolerance for pain and a greater need for pain relief. If medication is only administered when the pain is severe, larger doses may be needed, leading to increased anxiety and discomfort. Avoiding medication unless requested is not ideal, as proactive pain management is crucial during labor. Recognizing that less pain medication will be needed by this client compared with others is incorrect, as individuals with a history of opioid abuse often require more medication due to tolerance to addictive drugs.