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Psychosocial Considerations in Chronic Illness Care
Psychosocial Considerations in Chronic Illness Care ( 4 Questions)
A nurse is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following findings is most indicative of psychosocial distress related to the chronic illness?
This is a physical finding, not a psychosocial one. However, poor sleep quality can affect the client's mood, energy, and immune function, so the nurse should address this issue and suggest strategies to improve sleep hygiene and comfort.
Frustration and anger are common emotional responses to chronic illness, especially when the disease affects the client's ability to perform daily activities, maintain social relationships, and cope with uncertainty. These emotions can interfere with the client's adherence to treatment, self-care, and quality of life. The nurse should acknowledge the client's feelings, provide emotional support, and refer the client to appropriate resources, such as counseling, support groups, or stress management techniques.
This is a risk factor for developing psychosocial distress related to chronic illness, but it is not a finding in itself. The nurse should assess the client for signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety, such as low mood, hopelessness, excessive worry, nervousness, or changes in appetite or weight. The nurse should also monitor the client for suicidal ideation or behavior and provide appropriate interventions as needed.
This is a positive finding, as it indicates that the client is interested in learning more about the disease and participating in decision-making. The nurse should provide accurate and honest information, clarify any misconceptions, and address any concerns or questions that the client may have.
Frustration and anger are common emotional responses to chronic illness, especially when the disease affects the client's ability to perform daily activities, maintain social relationships, and cope with uncertainty. These emotions can interfere with the client's adherence to treatment, self-care, and quality of life. The nurse should acknowledge the client's feelings, provide emotional support, and refer the client to appropriate resources, such as counseling, support groups, or stress management techniques.
Incorrect options:
A) The client reports difficulty sleeping due to joint pain and stiffness. - This is a physical finding, not a psychosocial one. However, poor sleep quality can affect the client's mood, energy, and immune function, so the nurse should address this issue and suggest strategies to improve sleep hygiene and comfort.
C) The client has a history of depression and anxiety prior to the diagnosis. - This is a risk factor for developing psychosocial distress related to chronic illness, but it is not a finding in itself. The nurse should assess the client for signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety, such as low mood, hopelessness, excessive worry, nervousness, or changes in appetite or weight. The nurse should also monitor the client for suicidal ideation or behavior and provide appropriate interventions as needed.
D) The client requests information about the prognosis and treatment options for the disease. - This is a positive finding, as it indicates that the client is interested in learning more about the disease and participating in decision-making. The nurse should provide accurate and honest information, clarify any misconceptions, and address any concerns or questions that the client may have.