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.
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Which of the following meets the DSM-IV-TR criteria for moderate mental retardation?
- A. Requires constant one-on-one supervision and total physical care
- B. Advanced as far as the second grade and provides her own personal care with supervision
- C. Attends the local community college for developmental English and math courses
- D. Advanced as far as the sixth grade and works at a warehouse every day and supports himself.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the DSM-IV-TR criteria for moderate mental retardation includes an IQ range of 35-49, which typically corresponds to functioning at around the level of a 6 to 9-year-old. Choice D best fits this criteria as the individual has advanced to the sixth grade level academically, indicating a level of functioning consistent with moderate mental retardation. Choices A, B, and C do not meet the criteria as they suggest a higher level of functioning and independence than what is typically associated with moderate mental retardation.
Which intervention best reflects the nursing role regarding effective implementation of behavioral therapy goals?
- A. Administering the prescribed medications accurately
- B. Interacting effectively with members of the health care team
- C. Being aware of all the patient related therapeutic modalities
- D. Evaluating patient behaviors to reward economic tokens appropriately
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because evaluating patient behaviors to reward economic tokens appropriately is a key aspect of behavioral therapy. By assessing and reinforcing positive behaviors with rewards, nurses can encourage patients to continue working towards their therapy goals. Administering medications accurately (choice A) is important but not directly related to behavioral therapy goals. Interacting effectively with the health care team (choice B) is important for overall patient care but does not specifically address behavioral therapy. Being aware of therapeutic modalities (choice C) is important but does not directly contribute to implementing behavioral therapy goals like choice D does.
About an hour after the patient has ECT, he complains of having a headache. The nurse should:
- A. Notify the physician stat.
- B. Administer an as needed (prn) dose of acetaminophen.
- C. Take the patient through a progressive relaxation sequence.
- D. Advise going to activities to expend energy and relieve tension.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer an as needed (prn) dose of acetaminophen. After ECT, it is common for patients to experience headaches as a side effect. Administering acetaminophen will help alleviate the headache and provide relief for the patient. It is important to address the patient's discomfort promptly and effectively.
Choice A is incorrect because headaches after ECT are a common side effect and do not typically require immediate physician notification. Choice C is incorrect as progressive relaxation may not address the immediate headache symptoms. Choice D is also incorrect as physical activities may exacerbate the headache rather than provide relief. Administering acetaminophen is the most appropriate and efficient intervention in this situation.
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.
During a grief-processing group, an elderly patient stated, “For the first time since my husband died, I’m having more good days than bad.” This statement suggests that the patient has:
- A. Reached the phase of reestablishment
- B. Determined she is ready to terminate the support group
- C. Completed her “grief work” successfully
- D. Replaced old memories with new ones.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Completed her "grief work" successfully. This statement indicates progress in the grieving process, moving towards acceptance and healing. The patient acknowledging having more good days than bad reflects a positive shift in coping with the loss, indicating that she has processed her grief and is beginning to adapt to life without her husband. This suggests that the patient has worked through her emotions, memories, and adjustments related to the loss, reaching a point where she is experiencing more peace and acceptance.
Summary:
A: Reestablishment is not the correct choice as it does not specifically address the completion of the grief work.
B: Determining readiness to terminate the support group is premature, as the patient may still benefit from continued support.
D: Replacing old memories with new ones is not supported by the patient's statement and does not necessarily indicate successful grief processing.
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