Nokea
The nurse observes the parent of an adult client crying in the waiting area. The parent says to the nurse, 'My father died of meningitis decades ago. Now my child may die of the same thing.' Which is the best initial response by the nurse?
- A. The outlook for meningitis is better now than it was then.
- B. I can have the chaplain come speak with you if you like.
- C. This must be bringing back a lot of memories.
- D. Not necessarily. You can't make that assumption.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acknowledging that the situation may evoke memories validates the parent’s emotional distress and opens communication. Offering facts, a chaplain, or dismissal does not address the immediate emotional need.
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The nurse notes that a toddler has numerous bruises, a possible fractured left humerus, and several lacerations. Which action will the nurse take first?
- A. Report findings to Child Protective Services.
- B. Ask the parents what caused the injuries.
- C. Review the client's previous medical record.
- D. Observe the interaction between the parents and client.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Suspected child abuse, indicated by multiple bruises, a possible fracture, and lacerations, requires immediate reporting to Child Protective Services as mandated by law to ensure the child's safety. This takes precedence over other actions to initiate protective measures promptly.
Based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which client is demonstrating characteristics of self-actualization?
- A. Client is competent and esteemed by others for accomplishing work goals
- B. Client maintains a stable, loving, same-sex partnership for several years
- C. Client learns to sublimate aggressive impulses using physical exercises
- D. Client has an accurate perception of reality and is accepting of self and others
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, self-actualization is the highest level where individuals strive to reach their full potential and achieve personal growth. A self-actualized person, as per Maslow, has an accurate perception of reality and is accepting of themselves and others. This individual is characterized by traits such as fairness, independence, spontaneity, and creativity. While choices A, B, and C represent important aspects of human needs fulfillment, they align more closely with lower levels in Maslow's hierarchy. Choice A refers to meeting self-esteem needs, choice B relates to love and belonging needs, and choice C addresses safety needs, all of which are below self-actualization in the hierarchy of needs.
A client who has undergone successful femoral-popliteal bypass grafting of the leg states to the nurse, 'I hope everything goes well after this and that I don't lose my leg. I'm so afraid that I'll have gone through this for nothing.' Which most therapeutic response should the nurse make to the client?
- A. I can understand what you mean. I'd be nervous too if I were in your shoes.
- B. This surgery is so successful that I wouldn't be concerned at all if I were you.
- C. Complications are possible, but you have a good deal of control if you make the lifestyle adjustments we talked about.
- D. Stress isn't helpful for you. You should probably just try to relax. You shouldn't worry unless something actually happens.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clients frequently fear that they will ultimately lose a limb or become debilitated in some other way. Option 3 acknowledges the client's concerns and empowers the client to improve his or her health, which will ultimately reduce concern about the risk of complications. Option 1 feeds into the client's anxiety and is not therapeutic. Option 2 gives false reassurance. Option 4 is meant to be reassuring, but it offers no suggestions to empower the client.
Which of the following examples indicates that the nurse is giving recognition as a form of therapeutic communication?
- A. You need to take your medicine now, Adam.
- B. Jill, your father is trying to make amends with you.
- C. The physician wants to meet with you and your husband, Amy.
- D. Linda, you brushed your hair this morning.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Recognition is a form of therapeutic communication in which the nurse points out a positive aspect of the client's behavior. Noting that a client brushed her hair herself indicates that the nurse recognizes the client's attempts at self-care. This recognition shows the client that the nurse is paying attention and may be open to further communication. Choices A, B, and C do not demonstrate recognition. Choice A focuses on a directive statement, Choice B involves informing the client about a situation without acknowledging their actions, and Choice C informs the client about a meeting without providing recognition for any behavior.
A charge nurse is supervising a new nurse who is providing care to a client diagnosed with end-stage heart failure. The client is withdrawn and reluctant to talk, and shows little interest in participating in hygienic care or activities. Which statement, if made by the new nurse to the client, indicates that the new nurse has a need for further teaching regarding the use of therapeutic communication techniques?
- A. What are your feelings right now?'
- B. Why don't you feel like getting up for your bath?'
- C. These dreams you mentioned, what are they like?'
- D. Many clients with end-stage heart failure fear death.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When the nurse asks a 'why' question of the client, the nurse is requesting an explanation for feelings and behaviors when the client may not know the reason. Requesting an explanation is a nontherapeutic communication technique. In option 1, the nurse is encouraging the verbalization of emotions or feelings, which is a therapeutic communication technique. In option 3, the nurse is using the therapeutic communication technique of exploring, which involves asking the client to describe something in more detail or to discuss it more fully. In option 4, the nurse is using the therapeutic communication technique of giving information. Identifying the common fear of death among clients with end-stage heart failure may encourage the client to voice concerns.