The parent of a child born with a myelomeningocele asks the nurse, "What did I do to deserve this?" Which response is most helpful?
"You didn't do anything wrong."
"Is there any particular reason why you think this is your fault?"
"This must be a very difficult time for you."
"With surgery, your baby should have a full recovery."
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is Choice C: “This must be a very difficult time for you.”
Choice A rationale: Telling the parent “You didn’t do anything wrong” might seem comforting, but it doesn’t address the parent’s feelings of guilt or responsibility. It’s important to remember that myelomeningocele is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not develop completely1. It’s often not known why this happens, but it can be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors2. Therefore, it’s not something the parent did or didn’t do.
Choice B rationale: Asking “Is there any particular reason why you think this is your fault?” could potentially lead to a constructive conversation. However, it might also make the parent feel defensive or as if they need to justify their feelings. It’s crucial to approach this situation with empathy and understanding, acknowledging the parent’s feelings without making them feel judged.
Choice C rationale: Saying “This must be a very difficult time for you” is the most helpful response because it acknowledges the parent’s feelings and offers empathy. It doesn’t place blame or make assumptions. Instead, it opens up a space for the parent to express their feelings and concerns.
Choice D rationale: While it’s true that surgery can help manage the condition1, saying “With surgery, your baby should have a full recovery” might be misleading. Myelomeningocele is the most severe form of spina bifida and can cause moderate to severe disabilities, such as muscle weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, and/or paralysis2. Each case is unique, and while some children may have less severe symptoms, others may require lifelong management. It’s important to provide accurate and realistic information.
Remember, it’s essential to approach these conversations with empathy and understanding. Parents dealing with a diagnosis of myelomeningocele are likely experiencing a range of emotions, and they need support and accurate information.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","F"]
Explanation
As people age, the turnover of skin cells decreases, resulting in slower wound healing. This can prolong the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
The immune system's function, including T-cell function, tends to decline with age.
T-cells play a crucial role in the immune response and wound healing. Decreased T-cell function can impair the body's ability to fight infection and promote efficient healing.
With aging, there is a natural loss of subcutaneous fat, which can affect wound healing. Subcutaneous fat provides padding and protection to the underlying tissues, and its reduction can increase the risk of tissue damage and delays in healing.
Insulin resistance, pigmentation changes, and polypharmacy are not directly age-related factors that impact wound healing. Insulin resistance is a condition related to impaired glucose metabolism and can affect wound healing in individuals with diabetes or other metabolic disorders, but it is not necessarily an age-related factor. Pigmentation changes and polypharmacy (the use of multiple medications) may be associated with aging but do not directly affect the physiological processes involved in wound healing.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect- Clarify reality with the client about delusional thoughts: Attempting to correct the client's delusional thoughts might cause frustration and agitation. Clients with Alzheimer's disease may have difficulty comprehending and retaining reality-based information.
B) Incorrect- Reduce the client's interaction with others during the day: Social interaction is important for clients with Alzheimer's disease to maintain engagement and prevent feelings of isolation. Reducing interaction could worsen their emotional well-being.
C) Correct- Clients with Alzheimer's disease often experience cognitive impairments and may have delusional thoughts or confusion, such as believing deceased loved ones are still alive. Nonpharmacological interventions are crucial to provide comfort and manage challenging behaviors. Distraction techniques involve redirecting the client's attention away from the delusion and onto a different, engaging activity. This can help decrease distress and anxiety related to their delusional thoughts. Therapeutic communication skills, such as validating the client's feelings and emotions, can also be beneficial. Simply telling the client that their mother is deceased may cause distress and confusion. Instead, providing comfort, empathizing with their emotions, and redirecting their focus can be more effective in managing the situation.
D) Incorrect- Awaken the client for reality checks every 4 hours at night: Disrupting the client's sleep schedule could lead to increased confusion and restlessness. It's important to provide a calm and consistent sleep routine for individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
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