Following management of a disaster, a patient care technician tells the nurse, "I keep seeing the faces of people that died when I close my eyes." What is the appropriate nursing response?

"The memories will fade eventually, it's just so fresh right now."

Can you take a few days off to rest and try to feel better?"

'If we just lean on each other, we will get stronger and get through this."

"I will go with you to the occupational nurse who can help you explore your feelings."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. This response minimizes the staff member’s emotional experience by suggesting that the distress is temporary and will resolve on its own. While it is true that time may lessen the intensity of memories, telling someone this does not provide validation, emotional support, or guidance. Minimizing the reaction can increase feelings of isolation or guilt and may delay proper coping or treatment for acute stress.

B. Although taking time off might reduce physical fatigue and allow some mental recovery, it does not address the underlying psychological trauma. A staff member experiencing intrusive memories may require structured emotional support, counseling, or intervention, not just rest. Simply suggesting leave could imply that the responsibility is on the individual to “feel better” alone.

C. Peer support is valuable, but it is not sufficient for staff experiencing intrusive, distressing memories, especially after a disaster. This statement is well-intentioned but minimizes the seriousness of the psychological response and may delay access to professional mental health support.

D. This response validates the staff member’s feelings by acknowledging that seeing the faces of deceased victims is distressing and that professional support is appropriate. It provides immediate support, safety, and access to mental health resources, such as counseling, debriefing, or employee assistance programs. Offering to accompany the staff member also demonstrates empathy, trust, and advocacy, which are critical in disaster response scenarios.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Administering stress ulcer prophylaxis(such as a proton pump inhibitor or H2 blocker) is a component of VAP prevention bundles, as gastric acid suppression reduces the risk of aspiration-related pneumonia. This statement is correct and does not indicate misunderstanding.

B. Elevating the head of the bed 30–45°is a key VAP prevention measure, as it decreases risk of aspiration of gastric contents. This statement demonstrates proper understanding.

C. Continuous deep sedation is not recommendedfor VAP prevention. Over-sedation increases immobility, delays weaning, and increases the risk of VAP. The preferred practice is daily sedation interruption or light sedation, allowing assessment of readiness for weaning and reducing complications. This statement indicates the family needs additional teaching about sedation practices.

D. Low-dose anticoagulation (e.g., heparin) is used for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxisin mechanically ventilated patients and is part of standard critical care bundles. It does not directly prevent VAP but is appropriate care.

A. Acute kidney injury B. Dysrhythmia C. Iceberg effect D. Hypernatremia E. Bone fractures F. Fluid volume overload

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]

Explanation

A. Acute kidney injury (AKI)is a common complication of electrical burns due to myoglobin release from muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis). Myoglobin can accumulate in the kidneys, causing renal tubular obstruction and acute tubular necrosis.

B. Dysrhythmiascan occur because electrical currents pass through the body and disrupt cardiac conduction, leading to arrhythmias, which may be life-threatening. Continuous cardiac monitoring is essential.

C. The iceberg effectrefers to the fact that electrical burns often cause deeper tissue injury than is visible on the skin, including muscle, nerve, and bone damage beneath the surface. This hidden injury can lead to complications such as compartment syndrome and rhabdomyolysis.

D. Hypernatremiais not a primary risk in electrical burns. Electrolyte imbalances are more commonly hyponatremia or hyperkalemia, especially during fluid shifts and muscle breakdown.

E. Bone fracturesmay occur if the patient experienced violent muscle contractions during the electrical shock. Electrical currents can cause severe tetanic muscle contractions, which can lead to fractures, especially in older adults with decreased bone density.

F. Fluid volume overloadis not typically a risk immediately after electrical burns. The initial concern is hypovolemia from fluid loss due to capillary leak and tissue injury, requiring aggressive fluid resuscitation. Overload may occur later if fluids are over-administered, but it is not an inherent risk of the burn itself.

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Following management of a disaster, a patient care technician tells the nurse, "I keep seeing the faces of people that died when I close my eyes." What is the appropriate nursing response?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]

Explanation

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