Nokea
During an interview, a patient attempts to shift the focus from self to the nurse by asking personal questions. How should the nurse respond?
- A. You've turned the tables on me.'
- B. Nurses direct the interviews with patients.'
- C. Do not ask questions about my personal life.'
- D. The time we spend together is to discuss your concerns.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When a patient tries to focus on the nurse, the nurse should refocus the discussion back onto the patient. Telling the patient that interview time should be used to discuss patient concerns refocuses discussion in a neutral way. Telling patients not to ask about the nurse's personal life shows indignation. Saying that nurses prefer to direct the interview reflects superiority. Saying 'You've turned the tables on me' states the fact but does not refocus the interview.
You may also like to solve these questions
A Puerto Rican-American patient uses dramatic body language when describing emotional discomfort. Which analysis most likely explains the patient's behavior?
- A. A histrionic personality disorder is likely.
- B. A belief that dramatic body language is sexually appealing.
- C. Wishes to impress staff with the degree of emotional pain.
- D. Belongs to a culture in which dramatic body language is the norm.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Members of Hispanic-American subcultures tend to use high affect and dramatic body language as they communicate. The other options are more remote possibilities.
An African-American patient says to a Caucasian nurse, 'There's no sense talking. You wouldn't understand because you live in a white world.' What would be the nurse's best action?
- A. Explain, 'Yes, I do understand. Everyone goes through the same experiences.'
- B. Say, 'Please give an example of something you think I wouldn't understand.'
- C. Reassure the patient that nurses interact with people from all cultures.
- D. Change the subject to one that is less emotionally disturbing.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Having the patient speak in specifics rather than globally helps the nurse understand the patient's perspective. This approach helps the nurse engage the patient.
When a female Mexican-American patient and a female nurse sit together, the patient often holds the nurse's hand. The patient also links arms with the nurse when they walk. The nurse is uncomfortable with this behavior and thinks the patient is misunderstanding the nurse-patient relationship. Which alternative is a more accurate assessment?
- A. The patient is accustomed to touch during conversations, as are members of many Hispanic subcultures.
- B. The patient understands that touch makes the nurse uncomfortable and controls the relationship based on that factor.
- C. The patient is afraid of being alone. When touching the nurse, the patient is reassured and comforted.
- D. The nurse is quick to make assumptions.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most likely answer is that the patient's behavior is culturally influenced. Hispanic women frequently touch women they consider to be their friends. Although the other options are possible, they are less likely.
While talking with a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder, a nurse notices the patient is unable to maintain eye contact. The patient's chin lowers to the chest while the patient looks at the floor. Which aspect of communication has the nurse assessed?
- A. Nonverbal communication
- B. A message filter
- C. A cultural barrier
- D. Social skills
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Eye contact and body movements are considered nonverbal communication. Insufficient data are available to determine the level of the patient's social skills or whether a cultural barrier exists.
A school-age child tells the school nurse, 'Other kids call me mean names and will not sit with me at lunch. Nobody likes me.' Select the nurse's most therapeutic response.
- A. Just ignore them and they will leave you alone.
- B. You should make friends with other children.
- C. Call them names if they do that to you.
- D. Tell me more about how you feel.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct response uses exploring, a therapeutic technique. The distracters give advice, a nontherapeutic technique.