A nurse is caring for a client following major spinal surgery who is reporting pain. The client's partner tells the nurse, "I wish I could do something to make my wife feel better." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"It must be very difficult for you to see your wife in pain."
"I wish there was more that I could do to relieve your wife's pain, too."
"I'm sure your wife will begin to feel better soon."
"We're doing everything we can to keep your wife comfortable."
The Correct Answer is A
Answer: A
Rationale:
A) "It must be very difficult for you to see your wife in pain.": This response acknowledges the partner's feelings and provides emotional support. It shows empathy and validates the partner's experience, helping to build rapport and trust between the nurse and the family member.
B) "I wish there was more that I could do to relieve your wife's pain, too.": While this response expresses sympathy, it might unintentionally convey a sense of helplessness or inadequacy on the part of the nurse, which could increase the partner's anxiety or frustration.
C) "I'm sure your wife will begin to feel better soon.": This response is intended to be reassuring, but it can come off as dismissive of the partner's current concern and may not address their immediate emotional needs. It also makes a promise that the nurse cannot guarantee.
D) "We're doing everything we can to keep your wife comfortable.": This response provides factual information about the care being provided, but it does not address the partner's emotional distress. It focuses on the actions of the healthcare team rather than acknowledging the partner's feelings.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
"I know you will do well living out in the community.". When a client expresses feelings of gratitude towards a nurse as they are about to be discharged, they are mostly affirming the therapeutic relationship between both parties. The nurse should acknowledge this affirmation clearly, warmly, and humbly, while encouraging the client's progress and independence. Choice D, "I know you will do well living out in the community" acknowledges the client's progress and offers encouragement.
Choice A, "Aren't you excited about being discharged today?" is a closed question that does not encourage the client's progress.
Choice B, "How do you feel about being discharged?" is not the best response because it is too broad.
Choice C, "I will send you a note in a few weeks" does not offer affirmation and encouragement to the client.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The client is easily startled by loud voices. Clients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may exhibit hyperarousal symptoms, including exaggerated startle responses and hypervigilance. The client talking constantly about the traumatic experience is a possible finding in PTSD but not specific. The client is constantly drowsy and sleeping 11-12 hours daily is more associated with depression than PTSD. While the client may have satisfying personal relationships, it does not address the question of what finding to expect with PTSD, making choice C incorrect.
Reasons why the other choices are not answers:
Choice A, the client talking constantly about the traumatic experience, is a possible symptom of PTSD, but it is not specific to the disorder and may also indicate other disorders.
Choice B, the client being constantly drowsy and sleeping 11-12 hours daily, is more indicative of depression than PTSD and also does not address the question of finding expected with PTSD.
Choice C, the client reports satisfying personal relationships with family and close friends, does not address what finding is expected with PTSD, making it an incorrect answer.
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