Nokea
Two months after a right mastectomy for breast cancer, a client comes to the office for a follow-up appointment. After being diagnosed with cancer in the right breast, the client was told that the risk for cancer in the left breast existed. When asked about her breast self-examination (BSE) practices since the surgery, the client replied, 'I don't need to do that anymore.' The nurse interprets this response to be using which coping mechanism?
- A. Denial
- B. Grief and mourning
- C. Change in body image
- D. Change in role pattern
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The coping strategy of denying or minimizing a health problem can produce health situations that may be life threatening. Denial can lead to an avoidance of self-care measures, such as taking medications or performing a BSE. None of the remaining options are coping mechanism.
You may also like to solve these questions
The home care nurse is caring for a client with lung cancer with acute cancer pain. Which is the most appropriate way to assess the client's pain?
- A. The client's pain rating
- B. The nurse's impression of the client's pain
- C. Verbal and nonverbal clues from the client
- D. Pain relief after appropriate nursing intervention
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The client's perception of pain is the hallmark of pain assessment. Usually noted by the client's rating on a scale of 1 to 10, the assessment is documented and followed with appropriate medical and nursing interventions. The nurse's impression and the verbal and nonverbal clues are subjective data. Pain relief after intervention is appropriate but relates to evaluation.
A male client is laughing at a television program with his wife when the evening nurse enters the room. He says his foot is hurting and he would like a pain pill. How should the nurse respond?
- A. Ask him to rate his pain on a scale of 1 to 10.
- B. Encourage him to wait until bedtime so the pill can help him sleep.
- C. Attend to the acutely ill client's needs first because this client is laughing.
- D. Instruct him in the use of deep breathing exercises for pain control.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Obtaining a subjective estimate of the pain experience by asking the client to rate his pain helps the nurse determine which pain medication should be administered and also provides a baseline for evaluating the effectiveness of the medication. Medicating for pain should not be delayed to use it as a sleep medication, so encouraging him to wait until bedtime is incorrect. Option C is judgmental and inappropriate as all clients deserve prompt attention. Option D should be used as an adjunct to pain medication, not instead of medication, so instructing him in deep breathing exercises alone is not the priority in this situation.
The nurse is planning care for a client who presents in active labor with a history of a previous cesarean delivery. The client complains of a 'tearing' sensation in the lower abdomen. She is upset, and she expresses concern for the safety of her baby. Which therapeutic response to the nurse make?
- A. Try not to worry, you and your baby are in good hands.'
- B. I understand your concerns. I'll let your health care provider know you need to talk.'
- C. I don't have time to answer questions now but I'll plan for us to have time to talk later.'
- D. I can understand that you are fearful. We are doing everything possible for your baby.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clients have a concern for the safety of their baby during labor and delivery, especially when a problem arises. Empathy and a calm attitude with realistic reassurances are important aspects of client care. Dismissing or ignoring the client's concerns can lead to increased fear and a lack of cooperation. Option 1 uses a cliché and provides false reassurance. Options 2 and 3 place the client's feelings on hold.
The nurse is teaching a group of women at a community center about risk factors for spousal abuse. Which would the nurse identify as risk factors? Select all that apply.
- A. alcohol or drug use
- B. low income or poverty
- C. being over the age of 40
- D. a higher level of education
- E. having a large circle of friends
- F. pregnancy, especially if it is unplanned
Correct Answer: A,B,F
Rationale: Alcohol/drug use, poverty, and unplanned pregnancy are established risk factors for spousal abuse. Age, education, and social circles are not specific risk factors.
During a routine assessment, an obese 50-year-old female client expresses concern about her sexual relationship with her husband. Which is the best response by the nurse?
- A. Reassure the client that many obese individuals have concerns about sex.
- B. Remind the client that sexual relationships can remain unaffected by obesity.
- C. Determine the frequency of sexual intercourse.
- D. Ask the client to talk about specific concerns.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Option D is the best response as it allows the client to express her specific concerns, providing the nurse with valuable assessment data. This open-ended question encourages the client to share her worries and feelings, which can guide the nurse in addressing her unique needs. Options A and B make assumptions about the client's concerns based on her weight, potentially invalidating her feelings and inhibiting effective communication. Option C is premature as understanding the client's concerns should precede discussions about the frequency of sexual intercourse, which may not address the core issues the client is facing.