Fundamentals of Nursing: The Art and Science of Person-Centered Care Tenth, North American Edition - Teaching and Counseling Related

Review Fundamentals of Nursing: The Art and Science of Person-Centered Care Tenth, North American Edition - Teaching and Counseling related questions and content

A nurse on the rehabilitation unit is counseling a young adult athlete who sustained a traumatic below-the-knee amputation following a motorcycle accident. The patient refuses to eat or ambulate, stating, 'What's the point? My life is over. I'll never be the football player I dreamed of becoming.' What is the nurse counselor's best response?

  • A. You're young and have your whole life ahead of you. You should focus on your rehabilitation and make something of your life.
  • B. I understand how you must feel. I wanted to be a famous singer, but I wasn't born with the talent to be successful at it.
  • C. You should concentrate on other sports that you could play even with prosthesis.
  • D. I understand this is difficult for you. Would you like to talk about it now or would you prefer me to make a referral to someone else?
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: This answer communicates respect and sensitivity to the patient's needs and offers an opportunity to discuss their feelings with the nurse or another health care professional. The other answers do not allow the patient to express their feelings and receive the counseling they need.