A nurse is caring for a client who was recently diagnosed with depression. The client's partner asks when he will get better. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?
"We've seen steady improvement in other clients who are depressed."
"Tell me what you know about depression,"
"No one really knows the answer to that question."
"The important thing is that he gets better, not how long it takes."
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. "We've seen steady improvement in other clients who are depressed.": While this may sound reassuring, it provides generalized information that may create unrealistic expectations. It does not address the partner’s specific concerns or open up a dialogue for emotional support or understanding.
B. "Tell me what you know about depression,": This response encourages open communication and assesses the partner's understanding of the condition. It allows the nurse to provide accurate, individualized information and emotional support based on what the partner already knows or believes.
C. "No one really knows the answer to that question.": Though factually true, this statement may seem dismissive or lacking empathy. It does not invite discussion or support the emotional needs of the partner, who is likely feeling uncertain or overwhelmed.
D. "The important thing is that he gets better, not how long it takes.": This response minimizes the partner’s valid concern about recovery time. It may come across as invalidating and does not provide helpful or therapeutic communication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"B"}
Explanation
Rationale:
• Suicidal ideation: The client has a history of suicidal threats and is currently expressing distress, isolation, and a desire to no longer exist. These are key red flags for suicidal thoughts and require immediate monitoring.
• Hopelessness: Statements like “I wish I weren’t here” and “my life is a mess” indicate a loss of hope about the future. Hopelessness is a strong predictor of suicidal intent in clients with depression.
• Acute stress disorder: This condition involves exposure to a traumatic event within the past month with symptoms like flashbacks or dissociation. The client’s distress stems from life changes, not acute trauma.
• Borderline personality disorder: While this disorder includes unstable relationships and emotional reactivity, there is no history of impulsivity or identity disturbance to support the diagnosis.
• Emotional lability: The client displays a flat affect and tearfulness, not rapid mood shifts. Emotional lability refers to quick and exaggerated changes in emotional expression.
• Hypervigilance: This involves a heightened state of alertness often associated with trauma or PTSD. The client’s behavior is more aligned with withdrawal and depression.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Anger: Anger is typically characterized by blaming others, expressing frustration, or resentment toward the situation, self, or those perceived to be responsible. It often follows denial and precedes bargaining in the stages of grief.
B. Bargaining: The statement "If only I had another day with them" reflects bargaining, a grief stage where individuals dwell on what could have been done differently to prevent the loss. This often includes hypothetical thinking or “what if” scenarios as a way to cope with the pain.
C. Denial: Denial involves refusing to accept the reality of the loss. It may manifest as disbelief or numbness, rather than expressing a desire to have more time or change past events, as seen in this client’s statement.
D. Depression: Depression in grief involves deep sadness, withdrawal, or feelings of hopelessness. While the client may be experiencing sorrow, the focus on "if only" thinking indicates bargaining more than the full emotional weight of depression.
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