The student nurse is beginning her first day of clinical in a mental health unit. The nurse realizes that therapeutic communication can occur even if the nurse is not certain of how to initiate the conversation. This is because?
A) It does not matter what you say to the client.
B) Sincerity, honesty, respect, and caring are the most important elements in communication and will overcome anything you may say that could be nontherapeutic.
C) Psychiatric-mental health clients do not really understand what you say most of the time anyway.
D) Clients in most mental health settings are cognitively impaired.
Ans: B
Sincerity, honesty, respect, and caring are hallmarks of being an effective psychiatric-mental health care provider. If the student nurse is sincere and honest, shows respect for the client, and displays a caring attitude, the staff and clients will give the student their trust.
You might also like to view...
A psychiatric nurse intern states, "This client's use of defense mechanisms should be eliminated." Which is a correct evaluation of this nurse's statement?
1. Defense mechanisms can be appropriate responses to stress and need not be eliminated. 2. Defense mechanisms are a maladaptive attempt of the ego to manage anxiety and should always be eliminated. 3. Defense mechanisms, used by individuals with weak ego integrity, should be discouraged and not eliminated. 4. Defense mechanisms cause disintegration of the ego and should be fostered and encouraged.
A nurse is caring for a 14-year-old with a gastrostomy tube. The girl has skin breakdown and irritation at the insertion site. Which of the following would be most appropriate method to secure the gastrostomy tube?
A) Nipple method B) Taping method C) Tension loop method D) Hydroactive dressing method
A client being prepared for surgery has a pulse oximeter placed on one digit of his hand. The nurse is applying this device to monitor the client's:
1. oxygen level. 2. heart rate. 3. blood pressure. 4. urine output.
Amber, a 10 year old, has been in fixed traction for a femur fracture for the past two weeks. Her parents are currently getting breakfast in the cafeteria
The nursing plan of care indicates that she should be moved every two hours and assess for skin breakdown. Today, Amber is refusing to move and tells the nurse "I am not going to do it.". The best way for the nurse to handle this situation is: 1. "I will speak with the doctor to see if we can change your orders so you do not need to be moved so often.". 2. "We will call your mother to come back and move you.". 3. "I will give you 10 minutes to think about how you want to be positioned. After that, you can ring your call light, and we will move you to the position of your choosing.". 4. "I understand that you do not want to move today, but we have to make sure you do not get any sores on your back or leg. I will let you be for 10 minutes, and then when you ring the call light, I will come in and move you to the position of your choosing.".