A patient with chronic pain tells the nurse "I just want to give up all together. I am in so much pain every day, all the time. I don't want to do this anymore." Which is the priority nursing diagnosis for this patient?
1. Hopelessness
2. Powerlessness
3. Spiritual distress
4. Chronic pain
Answer: 1
Explanation: The priority nursing diagnosis for this patient is hopelessness, a state in which an individual feels restrained (without choices or alternatives) and immobilized. The nurse must recognize that the patient may be expressing thoughts of suicide, and the nurse must immediately assess for suicidal ideations. Though the patient is in chronic pain, it is the patient's hopelessness that takes priority. Powerlessness and spiritual distress may be aspects of the patient's current state; however, the patient's expression of hopelessness takes priority.
You might also like to view...
A patient with bipolar disorder asks the nurse what caused the illness. What will the nurse tell the patient regarding the genetic transmission of bipolar disorder?
1. Bipolar disorder is caused by environmental factors. 2. There is one single gene responsible for bipolar disorder. 3. There is no known cause for the development of bipolar disorder. 4. There appears to be a genetic link in the transmission of bipolar disease.
A researcher is looking particularly at the organizational hierarchy of a health care system. What specific aspect of quality health care would this address?
a. Practice styles b. Process of care c. Quality of care d. Structure of care
What will the nurse instruct a client regarding the actions of testosterone?
Standard Text: Select all that apply. 1. It restricts bone growth. 2. It is responsible for the enlargement of the testes, scrotum, and penis. 3. It contributes to the development of muscle mass. 4. It promotes the synthesis of erythropoietin. 5. It is responsible for virilization.
Which medication from the medication administration record should a nurse administer to provide immediate intervention for a psychotic patient whose aggressive behavior continues to escalate despite verbal intervention?
a. Lithium (Eskalith) b. Trazodone (Desyrel) c. Olanzapine (Zyprexa) d. Valproic acid (Depakene)