Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions Related

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The patient is undergoing a necessary but painful procedure that is greatly increasing her anxiety. The nurse decides to use guided imagery to help alleviate the patients anxiety. What is a key part of this technique?

  • A. Provide the patient with an external focus point such as a picture.
  • B. Have the patient take slow, shallow breaths while staring at a focus point.
  • C. Have the patient remember tactile sensations of a pleasant experience.
  • D. Encourage the patient to consciously relax all of her muscles.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because guided imagery involves using the patient's imagination to focus on pleasant sensory experiences. This helps distract the patient from the current situation and reduces anxiety. By remembering tactile sensations of a pleasant experience, the patient can create a calming mental image.

Choice A is incorrect because guided imagery does not require an external focus point like a picture. Choice B is incorrect because the technique does not involve staring at a focus point but rather focusing on mental images. Choice D is incorrect because while relaxation is beneficial, guided imagery specifically focuses on visualization of positive experiences to reduce anxiety.