A nurse is speaking with the parents of a 4-year-old child who has a terminal illness.
The parents tell the nurse they have taken their son's name off the list for little league baseball next season. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"Why did you feel you needed to do that at this time?"
"It must be frustrating for you to have to cancel an activity your son enjoyed."
"You never know. He could be ready for baseball by the spring."
"Baseball can be a dangerous sport for children anyway.".
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Judgmental and challenging: Asking "Why did you feel you needed to do that at this time?" implies that the parents' decision may not have been the best one. It puts them on the defensive and could make them feel like they need to justify their actions.
Not empathetic: This response does not acknowledge the parents' feelings of sadness, disappointment, or loss. It focuses on the decision itself rather than on the emotional impact it has had on the family.
Not supportive: The nurse's role is to provide support and understanding, not to the parents' decisions. This response does not offer any emotional support or validation.
Choice B rationale:
Empathetic and validating: This response acknowledges the parents' feelings and shows that the nurse understands how difficult it must have been to cancel their son's baseball registration. It also validates their decision, which can be helpful in coping with difficult situations.
Opens up communication: By expressing empathy, the nurse encourages the parents to share their feelings and experiences. This can help them to process their emotions and feel more supported.
Facilitates understanding: By recognizing the parents' frustration, the nurse can better understand their perspective and provide more tailored support. This can help to strengthen the nurse-client relationship and promote trust.
Choice C rationale:
False hope: While it is possible that the child's condition could improve, it is not realistic to offer false hope to the parents. This response could make it more difficult for them to accept the reality of their child's illness and could lead to disappointment and frustration in the future.
Dismissive of feelings: This response does not acknowledge the parents' current feelings of sadness and loss. It focuses on the future, which can be overwhelming and anxiety-provoking for parents who are facing a terminal illness.
Choice D rationale:
Irrelevant and insensitive: The dangers of baseball are not relevant to the parents' decision to cancel their son's registration. This response is dismissive of their feelings and does not offer any support or understanding.
Potentially offensive: This response could be interpreted as suggesting that the parents are being overprotective or that they are making a decision based on fear rather than on their child's best interests.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A client who has depression - Correct.
Explanation:
Depression is a significant risk factor for suicide. Individuals with depression may experience feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and despair, which can contribute to suicidal ideation. It is crucial for the mental health nurse to carefully assess and monitor individuals with depression for any signs of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Prompt intervention and support are essential to address the underlying issues and mitigate the risk of suicide.
Explanation for other choices:
B. A client whose family visits him every week from out of town.
- Family support is generally considered a protective factor against suicide. Regular family visits can provide emotional support and a sense of connection, reducing the risk.
C. A pregnant female client who is at 8 months gestation.
- Pregnancy alone is not a direct risk factor for suicide. However, mental health issues during pregnancy, such as depression, should be assessed and addressed appropriately.
D. A client who has a lot of friends.
- This scenario does not provide enough information for a clear assessment of suicide risk. Social interactions can be both protective and risk factors, depending on the individual's overall situation and support network. Further assessment would be needed to determine the significance of this factor.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Bradycardia
Bradycardia, or an abnormally slow heart rate, is a common cardiovascular manifestation in individuals with anorexia nervosa. It is often a result of the body’s adaptive response to conserve energy due to severe malnutrition and reduced caloric intake. This is because the body is trying to conserve as much energy as possible, and one way it does this is by slowing down the heart rate. This can be dangerous, however, as it can lead to fainting, heart failure, or even death if not properly managed.
Choice B rationale: Hyperactive bowel sounds
Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with anorexia nervosa. Instead, individuals with this disorder often experience constipation and other gastrointestinal issues due to inadequate food intake. The lack of food intake can slow down the digestive process, leading to these symptoms.
Choice C rationale: Dental erosion
Dental erosion can be a consequence of anorexia nervosa, but it is more commonly associated with bulimia nervosa due to the frequent vomiting that characterizes this disorder. The stomach acid that comes into contact with the teeth during vomiting can cause the enamel to erode. However, it’s important to note that not all individuals with anorexia nervosa will experience this symptom.
Choice D rationale: Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not typically associated with anorexia nervosa. In fact, low blood pressure (hypotension) is more common due to the decreased volume of blood in the body from insufficient nutrition.
Hypertension is more commonly associated with conditions such as obesity and metabolic syndrome.
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