A nurse is reviewing the day 5 vital signs.
A nurse is evaluating the client’s response to treatment. Select the 4 findings that indicate the client is progressing with their plan of care.
Vital signs
Movement through the stages of grief
Cognition
Participation in group therapy
Appetite
The client resolves to limit alcohol consumption
Correct Answer : A,B,D,E
Choice A Reason: Vital signs are a critical indicator of a patient’s health status. Normal ranges for vital signs in a resting adult include a body temperature of 97.8°F to 99.1°F (36.5°C to 37.3°C), blood pressure between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg, a pulse rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute, and a respiratory rate of 12 to 18 breaths per minute. The client’s vital signs have stabilized from the initial erratic readings to within normal ranges by hospital day 5, indicating a positive response to the treatment plan.
Choice B Reason: Movement through the stages of grief is essential for emotional recovery, especially in the context of alcohol use disorder where the grief may have triggered the relapse. The stages of grief include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Progress in these stages can be a sign of emotional healing and a successful coping mechanism in the recovery process.
Choice D Reason: Participation in group therapy is a key component of substance use disorder treatment. It provides social support, reduces isolation, and helps develop effective communication and interpersonal skills3. Active participation in group therapy sessions indicates the client’s engagement with the treatment process and their commitment to recovery.
Choice E Reason: Appetite changes are common during recovery from alcohol use disorder. Initially, there may be a loss of appetite due to the effects of alcohol on the gastrointestinal system and overall health. However, as recovery progresses, appetite usually returns, and the individual may even overeat5. An improvement in appetite suggests that the client’s physical health is improving and that they are regaining a normal relationship with food.
Choice C Reason: Cognition refers to the mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and comprehension, including thinking, knowing, remembering, judging, and problem-solving. These are higher-level functions of the brain and encompass language, imagination, perception, and planning. A person’s cognitive ability can be affected by alcohol use disorder, as alcohol can impair cognitive functions and damage brain structures. However, recovery from alcohol abuse can lead to improvements in cognitive functions. Research indicates that most noticeable improvement in cognitive function begins after one year of abstinence from alcohol. Therefore, if the client shows signs of improved cognition, such as better memory, clearer thinking, or improved problem-solving, it would indicate progress in their recovery.
Choice F Reason: The client’s resolve to limit alcohol consumption is a significant indicator of their commitment to long-term recovery. Setting limits on alcohol intake is a crucial step in the process of recovery and can help prevent relapse. For men, moderate drinking is defined as up to two drinks per day and for women, up to one drink per day3. If the client expresses a desire to limit their alcohol consumption to within these guidelines, or better yet, abstains from alcohol completely, it would demonstrate a positive change in behavior and mindset towards their health and recovery.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Suppression is a conscious decision to delay paying attention to an emotion or need in order to cope with the present reality. It's unlikely that the client is consciously choosing to ignore the cause of their blackouts.
Choice B reason: Sublimation is a way of dealing with unacceptable impulses by unconsciously substituting acceptable forms of expression. This defense mechanism doesn't typically apply to explaining symptoms like blackouts.
Choice C reason: Projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to another person. Since the client is providing an explanation for their own symptoms, rather than attributing them to someone else, projection is not the defense mechanism at play here.
Choice D reason: Rationalization involves justifying behaviors or feelings with logical reasons, even if they are not appropriate. The client's attribution of blackouts to low blood sugar, despite a diagnosis that suggests a psychological cause, is a form of rationalization.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: While stress reduction techniques are important, they are not the immediate priority when a client is currently being aggressive.
Choice B reason: Role modeling is a long-term strategy and not appropriate for immediate intervention during an aggressive incident.
Choice C reason: This is the priority action to assess the risk of harm to others and to take necessary steps to ensure safety for all clients in the facility.
Choice D reason: Making a list is a reflective activity that may be part of a treatment plan but is not the priority action during an episode of aggression.
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