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The nurse is interacting with the family of a client who is unconscious as a result of a head injury. Which approach should the nurse use to help the family cope with their concerns?
- A. Explain equipment and procedures on an ongoing basis.
- B. Discuss displaying their grief only when not in the room with the client.
- C. Discourage them from touching the client in order to minimize stimulation.
- D. Explain that they need their rest so they should adhere to regular visiting hours.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Families often need assistance to cope with the sudden severe illness of a loved one. The nurse should explain all equipment, treatments, and procedures, and he or she should supplement or reinforce the information given by the primary health care provider. Displaying grief is a normal process and should not be discouraged. The family should be encouraged to touch and speak to the client and become involved in the client's care in some way if they are comfortable with doing so. The nurse should allow the family to stay with the client whenever possible. This is important for both the client and the family.
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A client comes into the emergency department demonstrating manifestations indicative of a severe state of anxiety. What is the priority nursing intervention at this time?
- A. Remaining with the client
- B. Placing the client in a quiet room
- C. Teaching the client deep-breathing exercises
- D. Encouraging the expression of feelings and concerns
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: If the client is left alone with severe anxiety, the client may feel abandoned and become overwhelmed. Placing the client in a quiet room is also indicated, but the nurse must stay with the client. It is not possible to teach the client deep-breathing or relaxation exercises until the anxiety decreases. Encouraging the client to discuss concerns and feelings would not take place until the anxiety has decreased.
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.
A client diagnosed with diabetes mellitus requires the immediate amputation of a leg. The client is very upset and states, 'This is the doctor's fault! I did everything that I was told to do!' When considering the grieving process, how should the nurse respond to the client's statement?
- A. Notify the agency's risk management department.
- B. Help the client consider alternatives to treatment.
- C. Allow the client to use anger as a coping mechanism.
- D. Ask the client to list all previous health care providers.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Anger is a stage in the grieving process and an expected response to impending loss. Usually a client directs the anger toward himself or herself, God or another spiritual being, or the caregivers; thus far the client's behavior demonstrates effective coping. Notifying the risk management department is premature, especially because the client has said nothing about legal action. Analyzing alternative treatment options and previous health care providers is likely to interfere with effective coping, and it can delay lifesaving treatment.
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 stillborn baby was delivered a few hours ago. After the birth, the family has remained together, holding and touching the baby. The registered nurse is orienting a new nurse, and has provided education on how to communicate with the family. Which statement by the new nurse indicates that teaching has been effective?
- A. How can I assist you with ways to remember your baby?'
- B. You seem upset. Do you think a tranquilizer would help?'
- C. I feel so bad. I don't understand why this happened either.'
- D. I can allow another 15 minutes together for you to grieve.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nurses should be able to explore measures that assist the family with creating memories of the infant so that the existence of the child is confirmed, and the parents can complete the grieving process. The correct option identifies this measure and also demonstrates a caring and empathetic client-focused response while providing the family with the option to express their needs. Option 2 devalues the parents' feelings and is inappropriate. Option 3 is inappropriate and reflects a lack of knowledge on the nurse's part. Option 4 appears that the nurse is uncaring.