The nurse caring for a patient who is concerned about her 10-pound weight loss relative to her chemotherapy tells the patient, "Lucky you! Every cloud has a silver lining." The nurse's statement is an example of which type of communication block?
- A. Defensive response
- B. Asking probing questions
- C. Using clichés
- D. Changing the subject
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Using clichés. The nurse's statement, "Lucky you! Every cloud has a silver lining," is a cliché that minimizes the patient's concerns about her weight loss and chemotherapy. Clichés are overused phrases that lack originality and can be dismissive or unhelpful in communication. In this case, the nurse's response does not address the patient's emotional or physical needs and fails to provide meaningful support.
Incorrect choices:
A: Defensive response - This choice involves reacting defensively to the patient's concerns, which is not demonstrated in the nurse's statement.
B: Asking probing questions - This choice involves seeking further information from the patient, which is not reflected in the nurse's cliché response.
D: Changing the subject - This choice involves diverting the conversation away from the patient's concerns, which is not explicitly done in the given scenario.
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Which are examples of a nurse who is communicating responsibly? (Select all that apply)
- A. The nurse uses profanity to respond to a client who is intoxicated and verbally abusive.
- B. The nurse helps a client talk to family members about discontinuing chemotherapy.
- C. The nurse uses interpersonal strategies to help a client develop methods of coping.
- D. The nurse provides a client's health information to a close relative who is visiting.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because helping a client communicate about discontinuing chemotherapy shows responsible communication. This action respects the client's autonomy and involves them in decision-making. This choice prioritizes the client's well-being and supports open and honest communication.
Incorrect choices:
A: Using profanity is unprofessional and disrespectful, violating ethical standards.
C: While using interpersonal strategies to help a client cope is important, it doesn't specifically address responsible communication.
D: Sharing a client's health information without consent breaches confidentiality and violates privacy rights.
The nurse sees that Mr. B (bladder cancer) has received docusate for the past 2 days. Which question is the nurse most likely to ask to evaluate the effectiveness of the docusate?
- A. "Are you experiencing any burning with urination?"
- B. "Did you have a bowel movement today or yesterday?"
- C. "Has the medication helped to relieve the nausea?"
- D. "Were you able to sleep soundly the last couple of nights?"
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Docusate is a stool softener commonly used to prevent constipation, which is a common side effect of opioid pain medications. By asking if the patient had a bowel movement today or yesterday, the nurse can evaluate the effectiveness of docusate in facilitating bowel movements. This question directly assesses the expected outcome of the medication.
A: "Are you experiencing any burning with urination?" - This question is more relevant to urinary tract infections, not related to docusate use for constipation.
C: "Has the medication helped to relieve the nausea?" - Docusate is not typically used to relieve nausea, so this question is not relevant to evaluating its effectiveness.
D: "Were you able to sleep soundly the last couple of nights?" - This question is not directly related to the expected outcome of docusate in treating constipation.
In order to safeguard patient information when using a computer, the nurse should:
- A. only use the computer located in the nurse's station.
- B. wait until the end of the shift and document all information at one time.
- C. use personal code words and abbreviations to disguise information.
- D. change the computer password frequently. Computerized patient information requires extra vigilance by the nurse to safeguard confidentiality. Changing personal passwords frequently helps safeguard information. When using the computer at a health care facility, the nurse must remember not to leave a computer screen open when he or she is finished. The nurse should always log out so that someone else cannot access information using his or her password and must not share his or her password with others. Computers in the nurse's station are not as convenient as those at the bedside or in the hall. Personal codes and abbreviations are not useful.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: change the computer password frequently. This is essential to safeguard patient information on a computer. Changing passwords regularly enhances security by reducing the risk of unauthorized access. By doing so, the nurse ensures that even if someone gains access to their password, it will soon be outdated. This practice aligns with best practices for maintaining confidentiality and data security.
Now, let's analyze the other choices:
A: Using only the computer at the nurse's station limits flexibility and convenience for accessing patient information.
B: Waiting until the end of the shift to document information increases the risk of errors and delays in updating patient records.
C: Using personal code words and abbreviations may lead to misinterpretation of information and compromise patient confidentiality.
In summary, changing the computer password frequently is the most effective measure to safeguard patient information on a computer, while the other options do not provide the same level of security and confidentiality.
A teacher at a local elementary school asks a nurse to talk to the students about nutrition. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. "I will teach the students how to read nutrition labels.=
- B. "What would you like the students to learn about nutrition?=
- C. "The students need to know about the consequences of obesity.=
- D. "I will enjoy teaching the students everything I know about nutrition.=
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it shows the nurse's willingness to understand the teacher's specific objectives and tailor the nutrition talk accordingly. This approach ensures that the nurse addresses the teacher's concerns and meets the students' needs effectively.
Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect:
A: Teaching students how to read nutrition labels may be important, but it assumes that this is the teacher's primary goal without confirming it first.
C: Focusing on the consequences of obesity may not align with the teacher's desired focus on general nutrition education.
D: While enthusiasm for teaching is positive, this response does not address the teacher's specific request for the nutrition talk.
The nurse cares for a female patient who is trying to gain understanding of her life and her diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Which approach by the nurse would best meet this patient's needs?
- A. Suggest the patient join a breast cancer support group.
- B. Provide the patient with reading material on death and dying.
- C. Contact the patient's spiritual leader to request daily visits.
- D. Listen to the patient's stories about her past experiences.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because actively listening to the patient's stories about her past experiences allows for emotional expression, validation, and building trust. It promotes therapeutic communication and helps the patient gain understanding and cope with her diagnosis. Choice A focuses on group support, which may not address the patient's individual needs. Choice B is not appropriate as it may induce unnecessary fear. Choice C assumes the patient has specific spiritual beliefs and may not be welcomed.