Nokea
A teenaged client is discharged from the hospital after surgery with instructions to use a cane for the next 6 months. What question best demonstrates the nurse's ability to use therapeutic communication techniques to effectively assess the teenager's feelings about using a cane?
- A. How do you feel about needing a cane to walk?'
- B. Do you have questions about ambulating with a cane?'
- C. Are you worried about what your friends will think about your cane?'
- D. What types of problems do you think you'll have ambulating with a cane?'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse effectively uses therapeutic communication techniques when posing an open-ended question to elicit assessment data about how the teenager feels about using a cane. The remaining options are closed-ended questions. Option 3 makes assumptions about how the teenager feels, and options 2 and 4 focus on the physical aspects of using the cane.
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The nurse creates a plan of care to facilitate effective communication for a client who requests assistance in order to live independently. Which intervention has highest priority?
- A. Directing the discussions so that teaching needs are met
- B. Focusing directly on the client's message regarding needs
- C. Reflecting only facts related to the client's expressed concerns
- D. Reacting to the client's responses in a matter-of-fact, professional manner
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For effective communication, the nurse uses active listening and assesses for verbal and nonverbal communication to receive the client's intended message, thus creating an environment in which the client feels comfortable expressing feelings. An authoritarian approach is directive and not permissive, and it is unlikely to create an environment for the free exchange of thoughts and ideas. Reflecting facts only is a barrier to effective communication because subjective information can also provide a stimulus for effective communication. Reacting in a matter-of-fact manner can be an ineffective strategy for facilitating communication.
The partner of a client who has an esophageal tube introduced for a second time tells the nurse, 'I thought having this tube down the nose the first time would convince anyone to quit drinking.' Which response to the statement should the nurse make?
- A. I think you are a good person to stay with her.'
- B. Alcoholism is a disease that affects the whole family.'
- C. Have you discussed this subject at the Al-Anon meetings?'
- D. You sound frustrated dealing with such a drinking problem.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In option 4, the nurse uses the therapeutic communication techniques of clarifying and focusing to assist the client's partner with expressing feelings about the client's chronic illness. Showing approval, stereotyping, and changing the subject are nontherapeutic techniques that block communication.
The nurse assesses the client's peripheral intravenous (IV) site and notes that it is cool, pale, and swollen, and the fluid is not infusing. Which condition should the nurse document?
- A. Phlebitis
- B. Infection
- C. Infiltration
- D. Thrombosis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The infusion stops when the pressure in the tissue exceeds the pressure in the tubing. The pallor, coolness, and swelling of the IV site are the result of IV fluid infusing into the subcutaneous tissue. An IV site is infiltrated when it becomes dislodged from the vein and is lying in subcutaneous tissue, so the nurse concludes that the IV is infiltrated. The nurse needs to remove the infiltrated catheter and insert a new IV. All the remaining options are likely to be accompanied by warmth at the site.
A client diagnosed with angina pectoris appears to be very anxious and states, 'So, I had a heart attack, right?' Which response should the nurse make to the client?
- A. No. That is not why you are hospitalized.'
- B. No, but there could be some minimal damage to your heart.'
- C. No, not this time and we will do our best to prevent a future heart attack.'
- D. No, but it's necessary to monitor you and control or eliminate your pain.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Angina pectoris occurs as a result of an inadequate blood supply to the myocardium causing pain; managing the condition will help address the client's pain. The nurse will want to correct the client's misconception regarding a heart attack while addressing the client's concerns. Option 1 does not address the client's concerns. Option 2 is not correct because angina involves interrupted blood supply but does not result in cardiac tissue damage. Neither the nurse nor the primary health care provider can guarantee that a heart attack will not occur as option 3 seems to indicate.
The nurse is providing education to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) in preparation for communicating with a hearing-impaired client? Which statements by the UAP indicates that teaching has been effective? Select all that apply.
- A. Speak using a normal tone of voice.'
- B. Speak clearly when communicating with the client.'
- C. Speak slowly and directly into the client's impaired ear.'
- D. Face the client directly when carrying on a conversation.'
- E. Be aware of signs that the client does not understand the conversation.'
Correct Answer: A,B,D,E
Rationale: When communicating with a hearing-impaired client, the caregiver should speak in a normal tone to the client and should not shout. One should talk directly to the client while facing the client and speak clearly. If the client does not seem to understand what is being said, the caregiver should express the statement differently. Moving closer to the client and toward the better ear may facilitate communication, but one must avoid talking directly into the impaired ear.