Nokea
Shortly after a client dies, the nurse asks the family about funeral arrangements. When the family refuses to discuss the issue, which intervention by the nurse is appropriate for their stage of grief?
- A. Displaying acceptance of the family's issues
- B. Providing information about funerals in general
- C. Probing for information about funeral arrangements
- D. Asking the family if they would like time alone with the client
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The family is exhibiting the first stage of grief: denial. By asking the family if they would like time alone with the client, the nurse supports the family's feelings and allows the family to process the death. Option 1 is a suitable intervention for the acceptance or reorganization and restitution stage of grief. Eliminate options 2 and 3 because they are not appropriate at this time since the family has indicated their desire not to discuss funeral arrangements.
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A client diagnosed with incurable cancer has a life expectancy of a few weeks. Which response indicates that the client's partner is reacting with an expected coping response?
- A. Refusing to visit the client
- B. Expresses anger with his God
- C. Not allowing the death to occur at home
- D. Sending the children to live with relatives
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anger is a normal stage of the grieving process and is an expected coping response when facing the imminent loss of a loved one. Expressing anger toward a spiritual entity, such as God, is a common way for individuals to process their grief. Refusing to visit the client indicates avoidance or denial, which may not be constructive. Not allowing the death to occur at home or sending children to live with relatives may reflect practical decisions but do not directly indicate an expected emotional coping response related to grief.
When a client is dead on arrival (DOA) to the emergency department, the family states that they do not want an autopsy performed. Which statement should the nurse make in response to the family?
- A. Autopsies are mandatory for clients who are DOA.'
- B. Federal law requires autopsies for clients who are DOA.'
- C. The medical examiner makes the decision about autopsies.'
- D. I will make sure the medical examiner is aware of your request.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should notify the medical examiner or the coroner when a family wishes to avoid having an autopsy on a deceased family member. Normally the medical examiner will honor the family request unless there is a state law requiring the autopsy. Depending on the state, it is not mandatory for every client who is DOA to have an autopsy. However, many states require an autopsy in specific circumstances, including sudden death, a suspicious death, and death within 24 hours of admission to the hospital. Autopsy is not a requirement under federal law.
The nurse admits a client who is demonstrating right-sided weakness, aphasia, and urinary incontinence. The woman's daughter states, 'If this is a stroke, it's the kiss of death.' What initial response should the nurse make?
- A. Why would you think like that?'
- B. You feel your mother is dying?'
- C. These symptoms are reversible.'
- D. A stroke is not the kiss of death.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Option 2 allows the daughter to verbalize her feelings, begin coping, and adapt to what is happening. By restating, the nurse seeks clarification of the daughter's feelings and offers information that potentially helps ease some of the fears and concerns related to the client's condition and prognosis. Option 1 is a disapproving comment that is likely to interfere with communication. Option 3 is potentially misleading and offers false hope. The nurse could reflect back the statement in option 4 to the daughter to promote communication. However, as it stands, option 4 is a barrier to communication that contradicts the daughter's feelings.
The nurse cared for a client who died a few minutes ago. Which event supports the nurse's belief that the client died with dignity?
- A. The family thanks the nurse for facilitating such a peaceful death.
- B. The nurse states that it is difficult to give that kind of care to a dying client.
- C. The primary health care provider acknowledges that all of the prescriptions were carried out.
- D. The nurse kept the client's last hours comfortable with increasing doses of pain medication.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The family response is an external perception, and it is extremely important. Families derive a great deal of comfort from knowing that their loved one received the best care possible. The correct option provides external validation that the client received comprehensive, quality care. Option 2 focuses on the feelings of the nurse, who may be expressing his or her own anxiety. Option 3 focuses on the provider's prescriptions rather than client care. Option 4 reflects on only one aspect of the care of a dying client.
A client and her infant have been diagnosed as being positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). When the mother is observed crying, the nurse determines that which intervention will meet the client's initial needs?
- A. Discussing how the mother was exposed to HIV
- B. Sitting quietly with the mother as she talks and cries
- C. Describing the progressive stages and treatments of HIV
- D. Calling an HIV counselor to make an appointment for the mother and infant
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This client has just received devastating news and needs to have someone present with her as she begins to cope with this issue. The nurse needs to sit and actively listen while the mother talks and cries. Examining the mother and describing the progression and treatment of HIV is not appropriate for this stage of coping. Calling an HIV counselor may be helpful, but it is not what the client needs initially.