Nokea
A home health patient with a bleeding ulcer informs the nurse that she ate a bowl of chili with jalapenos. An inappropriate communication block with a judgmental tone by the nurse would be:
- A. "Well, you have had this problem long enough to know what will happen—you certainly can't blame me!"
- B. "I don't think that was a smart thing for you to do considering your ulcer."
- C. "Well, you better watch your stool for evidence of blood so you can notify your primary care provider."
- D. "Oh, poo! A bowl of chili every now and then won't make a lot of difference to your ulcer." Judgmental response is a block to effective communication in which the nurse is judging the patient's action. It implies that the patient must take on the nurse's values and is demeaning to the patient.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it demonstrates a judgmental tone towards the patient's actions. The nurse is passing a negative judgment on the patient by stating that eating chili with jalapenos was not a smart decision considering the ulcer. This response can make the patient feel guilty or ashamed, hindering effective communication.
Choice A shows frustration and blame towards the patient, which can lead to a defensive response. Choice C is directive and lacks empathy, focusing solely on the medical aspect without considering the patient's feelings. Choice D dismisses the patient's concerns and minimizes the impact of the action, which can be perceived as condescending.
In summary, choice B is the correct answer as it highlights the importance of maintaining a non-judgmental and supportive attitude in patient communication.
You may also like to solve these questions
According to Kimble and Bamford-Wade, what distinguishes the behavior of one caring and competent nurse from another nurse who is simply competent but not engaged with the patient?
- A. Immediacy, the availability of the nurse
- B. Warmth, the hallmark of compassion
- C. Attention, the focus of the nurse
- D. Communication, the instructional side of the nurse
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Warmth, the hallmark of compassion. Kimble and Bamford-Wade emphasize that warmth, which signifies compassion, is the key factor that distinguishes a caring and competent nurse from one who is solely competent but lacks engagement with the patient. This is because warmth builds trust, fosters connection, and shows genuine concern for the patient's well-being. Immediacy (A) may be important for timely care, attention (C) is vital but doesn't capture the emotional aspect, and communication (D) is essential but focuses more on the delivery of information rather than the emotional connection that warmth provides.
The author describes the patient journey as driving down a country road and somehow getting lost. At that moment and time, all that is needed is clear directions about how to get to your destination, not about types of entertainment in the area. The same is true for patients. Accordingly, a part of each nursing assessment should include:
- A. Patient's need for information and level of understanding
- B. Detailed overview of disease process
- C. Specific examples from other patients with same disease
- D. Nurse's feelings about newest treatment modality
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Understanding the patient's need for information and level of understanding is crucial to providing appropriate care.
Step 2: Clear directions are necessary to guide patients, just like clear information is needed to guide their healthcare decisions.
Step 3: Assessing the patient's need for information helps tailor education to their level of understanding.
Step 4: This choice directly aligns with the analogy of providing clear directions for patients on their healthcare journey.
Summary: Choice A is correct as it emphasizes the importance of assessing the patient's need for information and understanding, which is essential for guiding them effectively. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly address the patient's need for information and understanding in the analogy provided.
Ms. G (breast lumpectomy) continues to be anxious and tearful, and she says that she has changed her mind about the surgery, saying, "I'm going to go home. I just can't deal with everything that is going on right now. I need some time to think about things." What is the best response?
- A. "It's okay to change your mind. You have the right to make your own decisions."
- B. "Please reconsider. This surgery is very important, and your health is the priority."
- C. "Would you like me to call your HCP, so you can discuss your concerns?"
- D. "I see you are very concerned. What things are you dealing with and thinking about?"
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it acknowledges Ms. G's autonomy and respects her right to make decisions about her own body. By validating her feelings and choices, it helps build trust and rapport. Choice B is incorrect as it disregards Ms. G's emotional state and can come off as dismissive. Choice C assumes Ms. G needs immediate medical intervention without exploring her concerns further. Choice D, although showing empathy, does not directly address Ms. G's decision to change her mind about the surgery.
The nurse tells a patient, "For the last 2 days we have talked about whether to notify your daughter of your upcoming surgery in 2 days. You have indicated you do not want to be a burden to her, but you also would like to have her here. You may have to decide rather quickly because of the time constraint." The nurse is using the technique of:
- A. focusing.
- B. reflection.
- C. restatement.
- D. summarizing. Summarizing presents the problem and possible solutions with the attendant difficulties. This technique "unclutters" the problem and presents it back to the patient for his or her choice of a solution.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: summarizing. Summarizing involves presenting the problem and potential solutions to the patient in a clear and concise manner. In this scenario, the nurse is summarizing the patient's thoughts and concerns about notifying their daughter of the upcoming surgery. By doing so, the nurse is helping the patient to make a decision by clarifying the situation and potential options. This technique allows the patient to reflect on the information presented and make an informed choice.
A: Focusing involves directing the conversation to a specific topic or issue.
B: Reflection involves restating the patient's feelings or thoughts to show understanding.
C: Restatement involves repeating the patient's words to confirm understanding.
Therefore, the correct answer is D because summarizing is the technique being used in this scenario to help the patient make a decision regarding notifying their daughter about the upcoming surgery.
While admitting a patient to the medical unit, the nurse should take which action?
- A. Demonstrate human caring by hugging the patient for brief intervals.
- B. Disclose shared intimate details with other healthcare providers.
- C. Maintain a physical distance of at least 3 to 4 feet at all times.
- D. Develop the plan of care and measurable objectives with the patient.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because developing a plan of care and measurable objectives with the patient promotes patient-centered care, encourages collaboration, and ensures the patient's active involvement in their own care. This approach respects the patient's autonomy and preferences, fosters shared decision-making, and enhances treatment adherence.
A: Demonstrating human caring by hugging the patient may not be appropriate as it can violate professional boundaries and personal space.
B: Disclosing shared intimate details with other healthcare providers breaches patient confidentiality and violates privacy rights.
C: Maintaining a physical distance of at least 3 to 4 feet at all times may be necessary for infection control but does not address the core aspect of involving the patient in their care plan.