Nokea
During the nursing assessment, the client states, 'My surgeon just told me that my cancer has spread, and I have less than 6 months to live.' Which nursing response would be the most therapeutic?
- A. I am sorry. Would you like to discuss this with me some more?'
- B. I am sorry. There are no easy answers in times like this, are there?'
- C. I hope you'll focus on the fact that your doctor says you have 6 months to live and that you'll think of how you'd like to live.'
- D. I know it seems desperate, but there have been a lot of breakthroughs. Something might come along in a month or so to change your status drastically.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The client has received very distressing news and is most likely still experiencing shock and denial. In option 1, the nurse invites the client to ventilate feelings. Option 2 is social and expresses the nurse's feelings rather than the client's feelings. Option 3 is patronizing and stereotypical. Option 4 provides social communication and false hope.
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A client experiencing urticaria (hives) and pruritus states to the nurse, 'What am I going to do? I'm getting married next week, and I'll probably be covered in this rash and itching like crazy.' Which statement made by the nurse is the most therapeutic?
- A. You're troubled that this will extend into your wedding?
- B. It's probably just due to prewedding jitters. You'll be fine.
- C. The antihistamine will help a great deal, just you wait and see.
- D. Do you think this would really be something that could ruin your wedding?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The therapeutic communication technique that the nurse uses in option 1 is reflection. In option 2, the nurse minimizes the client's anxiety and fears. In option 3, the nurse talks about antihistamines and asks the client to 'wait and see.' This is nontherapeutic because the nurse is making promises that may not be kept. In addition, the response is closed-ended and shuts off the client's expression of feelings. In option 4, the nurse responds without sensitivity.
A family member of a client diagnosed with a brain tumor states that he is feeling distraught and guilty for not encouraging the client to seek medical evaluation earlier. Which information should the nurse incorporate when formulating a response to the family member's statement?
- A. A brain tumor presents with few sights/symptoms.
- B. It is true that brain tumors are easily recognizable.
- C. Brain tumors are never detected until very late in their course.
- D. The signs/symptoms of a brain tumor may be easily attributed to another cause.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Signs and symptoms of a brain tumor vary depending on location, and they may easily be attributed to another cause. Symptoms include headache, vomiting, visual disturbances, and changes in intellectual abilities or personality. Seizures occur in some clients. These symptoms can be easily attributed to other causes. The family requires support to assist them during the normal grieving process. Options 1, 2, and 3 are inaccurate statements.
While in the dining area, an adult client at the retirement center yells, 'This turkey is dry and cold! I can't stand the food here!' Which is the best response by the nurse to the client's behavior?
- A. Now look what you've done! You're ruining this meal for the whole community. Aren't you ashamed of yourself?
- B. I think you had better return to your apartment now. I'll make arrangements for a new meal to be served to you there.
- C. Let me get you another serving that is more to your liking. Would you like to see the chef and select your own serving?
- D. One of the things that was agreed upon was that anyone who did not use appropriate behavior would be asked to leave the dining room. Please leave now.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asking the client to accompany the nurse to the kitchen respects the client's need for control, removes the angry client from the dining room, and may offer the nurse an opportunity to assess what is happening with the client. Agency procedure should be followed regarding those who are allowed access to the facility kitchen. Option 1 is angry, aggressive, and nontherapeutic. Option 2 could provoke a regressive struggle between the nurse and the client and cause more anger in the client. In option 4, the nurse is authoritative, and it would not be appropriate to ask the client to leave. This action may set up an aggressive struggle between the nurse and the client.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease who will be receiving radiation and chemotherapy. Which statement by the client indicates a positive coping mechanism to be used during these treatments?
- A. I won't leave the house bald.'
- B. Losing my hair won't bother me.'
- C. I will be one of the few who doesn't lose my hair.'
- D. I have selected a wig, even though I will miss my own hair.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A combination of radiation and chemotherapy often causes alopecia. To make use of positive coping mechanisms, the client must identify personal feelings and positive interventions to deal with side effects. None of the remaining options are positive coping mechanisms.
A client who received an implanted port for intermittent chemotherapy says, 'I'm not sure if I can handle having a tube coming out of me. What will my friends think?' Which action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Show the client various central line catheters.
- B. Assure the client that his friends will understand.
- C. Explain that implanted ports are subcutaneous and not visible.
- D. Notify the primary health care provider of the client's concerns.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An implanted port is subcutaneous; it is not visible, and it has no external tubing. Tubing is used when an intravenous line is connected, and the port is accessed for therapy. The remaining options do not correct the client's confusion about the implanted port. Notifying the provider is not indicated. Inquiring about the client's friends is a reasonable response, but it can also provide false hope that the friends will be accepting. In addition, the nurse is likely to cause more anxiety and concern by providing information about the catheter's subcutaneous location. Showing various central line catheters is unlikely to be beneficial because the client will not be using them; in addition, this can heighten client anxiety and concerns.