The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with expressive aphasia from a traumatic brain injury. Which goal will the nurse include in the plan of care?

Choice A reason: Meditation does not alter the chemical composition of pain neuroregulators. The gate control theory posits that non-painful stimuli, like meditation, modulate pain signals in the spinal cord. This statement inaccurately describes the mechanism, as meditation affects neural gating, not chemical changes, making it incorrect.

Choice B reason: Meditation does not stop pain stimuli from occurring; it modulates pain perception. The gate control theory explains how cognitive techniques like meditation reduce pain signal transmission, not eliminate the stimulus. This statement misrepresents the theory’s mechanism, making it an incorrect reflection of understanding.

Choice C reason: Meditation does not open the pain gate or promote sleeping through pain. The gate control theory suggests meditation closes the gate, reducing pain signals. Opening the gate would increase pain perception, contradicting the theory’s principles, making this an incorrect understanding of meditation’s role.

Choice D reason: Meditation controls pain by blocking pain impulses, as per the gate control theory. It activates non-painful stimuli, closing the spinal “gate” to reduce pain signal transmission to the brain. This statement accurately reflects how meditation modulates pain perception, demonstrating correct understanding of the theory.

Choice A reason: Health promotion involves teaching lifestyle changes, not physical touch or emotional support, as seen here. Presence focuses on being with the patient empathetically. Assuming health promotion misaligns with the action, risking neglect of the patient’s emotional and spiritual needs, critical for comfort in terminal illness care settings.

Choice B reason: Offering transcendence involves fostering spiritual meaning, not physical touch or presence. The nurse’s hand-touching establishes emotional connection, not existential exploration. Assuming transcendence overlooks the relational aspect of presence, potentially missing the patient’s immediate need for comfort and connection in the context of terminal illness care.

Choice C reason: Establishing presence involves being physically and emotionally available, as shown by sitting and touching the patient’s hand. This empathetic connection, rooted in Watson’s caring theory, fosters comfort and trust, critical for terminally ill patients. Presence supports emotional well-being, ensuring holistic care and dignity in end-of-life situations.

Choice D reason: Doing for involves performing tasks like bathing, not emotional support through touch. The nurse’s action establishes presence, not task-oriented care. Assuming doing for risks misinterpreting the action, potentially neglecting the patient’s need for empathetic connection, essential for psychological comfort in terminal illness care.