A dying patient tells the nurse, "Don't let my family leave me." What should the nurse realize this patient is demonstrating?
1. fear of dying alone
2. the anticipation of improving in health
3. the need for the family to see the patient improve
4. the desire to prolong life
Correct Answer: 1
Family members are often afraid to be present at the time of death, yet dying alone is the greatest fear expressed by patients. There is no information provided to indicate there will be a recovery or improvement in the patient's condition. While the patient may wish to live longer, these behaviors are consistent with a fear of dying alone.
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A client with neurologic deficit is undergoing rehabilitation. Which of the following nursing interventions may help the client maintain independence as long as possible?
A) Provide encouragement and praise. B) Encourage the client to set attainable goals. C) Suggest available support groups. D) Show personal interest and pleasure in each accomplishment.
The student nurse is planning care for a patient with a recent spinal cord injury. Which intervention indicates the need for further instruction regarding care of the patient with a spinal cord injury?
a. Keep the halo jacket fastened unless the patient is in a supine position. b. Monitor the bladder every 4 hours for signs of bladder distention. c. Instruct unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to turn and reposition the patient every 2 hours. d. Assess compression stockings for proper fit.
The nurse can help caregivers understand the uniqueness of a child's personality and provide a guide for child-rearing techniques by assessing and explaining the:
a. nine attributes of temperament and the characteristics of the personality type b. caregiver's personalities and identifying any underlying pathology c. ten personality traits associated with the introvert-extrovert scale d. wake-sleep pattern and percentage of time a child spends without crying
Pete Sims, a 22-year-old college student, was involved in an automobile accident that resulted in permanent cognitive and physical disability. The night of the accident, Pete and his friends had been celebrating a friend's birthday at a local bar
The friend who was celebrating a birthday had been driving, and he was killed during the accident. Pete feels guilty about his friend's death. A priority assessment for the nurse to make in caring for Pete would be assessing his: A) Risk for suicide. B) Level of depression. C) Social support systems. D) Financial status.