A grief support group is held at the local community center to assist persons who are dealing with issues of loss. Which remark by one of the members would the nurse interpret as indicating unresolved feelings of guilt?
- A. “I know that my husband had a good life.”
- B. “It seems I miss my son more as time goes on.”
- C. “I am still wishing I had gotten help to him sooner.”
- D. "The holidays are always so hard for me now."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the statement indicates feelings of guilt about not getting help sooner, suggesting the member may blame themselves for the loss. This remark reflects a sense of responsibility and regret, common in unresolved guilt. Choice A expresses acceptance, B reflects natural grief progression, and D highlights difficulty during specific times, not necessarily linked to guilt. By analyzing the content of each statement, the nurse can identify cues related to unresolved feelings of guilt.
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Which initial short-term outcome would be appropriate for a patient admitted with delusional thoughts?
- A. Accept that delusion is illogical.
- B. Distinguish external boundaries.
- C. Explain the basis for the delusions.
- D. Engage in reality-oriented conversation.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, engage in reality-oriented conversation. This is appropriate because it helps the patient ground themselves in reality and potentially reduce the intensity of their delusions. By discussing real-life events and situations, the patient is encouraged to recognize the disparity between their delusional thoughts and actual reality. Choice A is incorrect as simply accepting the delusion as illogical does not actively address the patient's condition. Choice B, distinguishing external boundaries, is not as effective in directly challenging the delusional thoughts. Choice C, explaining the basis for the delusions, may not be helpful initially as the patient may not be receptive to logical explanations due to their distorted thinking.
Which statement made by a patient just prior to being transported for a scheduled ECT treatment would result in cancellation of the treatment?
- A. “Will I remember having this treatment?”
- B. “Did eating some crackers cause any problems?”
- C. "Is this going to help me feel better soon?"
- D. "I feel like I need to ask more questions about the procedure."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because asking about memory loss indicates a lack of informed consent and understanding of ECT procedure. Memory loss is a common side effect of ECT, and a patient should be well-informed about it before treatment. Choices B, C, and D do not raise concerns about the patient's understanding or readiness for ECT, making them incorrect. Choice B asks about dietary concerns, which do not directly impact the treatment. Choice C shows the patient's hope for improvement, which is a positive attitude. Choice D indicates the patient's desire for more information, which is a sign of engagement in their care.
During the first family therapy session, the mother of a child being treated for truancy and emotional outbursts asks the nurse, “Why are you bothering to ask the rest of us questions? My son is the one with the problems.” The best response for the nurse would be:
- A. “We’ll get more accurate information if the entire family is involved.”
- B. “It may seem strange to you, but we’ll get better results doing it this way.”
- C. “When one family member is sick, the whole family system is sick as well.”
- D. “Every family member’s perceptions are very important to the total picture.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because involving the entire family in therapy sessions allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the family dynamics and how they may be contributing to the child's issues. By including all family members, the nurse can gather diverse perspectives and insights that can inform the treatment plan. This approach also promotes family unity and collaboration in addressing the child's problems.
Option B is not the best response as it lacks a clear rationale for involving the whole family. Option C, while partially true, does not directly address the question raised by the mother. Option D emphasizes the importance of every family member's perceptions but does not specifically address the benefits of involving the entire family in therapy sessions.
An 85-year-old has difficulty walking after a knee replacement. The patient tells the nurse, “It’s awful to be old. Every day is a struggle. No one cares about old people.” Select the nurse’s best response.
- B. It sounds like you’re having a difficult time. Tell me about it.
- C. Let’s not focus on the negative. Tell me something good.
- D. You are still able to get around, and your mind is alert.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it shows empathy and active listening. By encouraging the patient to share their feelings, the nurse validates their emotions and builds a therapeutic relationship. This approach helps the nurse understand the patient's perspective and provides an opportunity for emotional support.
Choice A does not actively invite the patient to share their feelings and may come off as dismissive. Choice C ignores the patient's emotional distress and may seem invalidating. Choice D, while positive, fails to address the patient's emotional concerns and misses an opportunity for meaningful communication.
Which statement best explains how a mother of several children should prepare to help them cope with the loss of a dear aunt?
- A. Each child will grieve in a unique way and on their own timetable
- B. Children are resilient and simply need love as they grieve.
- C. People regardless of age or gender experience stages of grief.
- D. Extreme reactions are more commonly observed in the young griever
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because each child will indeed grieve in a unique way and on their own timetable. This approach recognizes the individuality of each child's emotions and coping mechanisms. By understanding and respecting their differences, the mother can provide tailored support and comfort. Option B oversimplifies the grieving process and ignores the complexity of individual responses. Option C generalizes the stages of grief for all people and does not account for variations in how children may process loss. Option D incorrectly suggests that extreme reactions are more common in young children, which is not necessarily true as grief responses can vary widely among children.