A patient tearfully says to a nurse, "I don't want to go on living now that my spouse has left me for someone else after 20 years. Our children are grown and don't need me. I just want to die.". Which response is the most therapeutic?
a. "You're young, and you will manage well. I know several people your age who've actually done better after divorcing their spouses.".
b. "It always seems bleak when we lose someone we've loved. Don't worry, it will work out—we just need to think this through.".
c. "So your spouse is off having a midlife crisis and you are here thinking of killing yourself. Let's focus on how to make you feel better.".
d. "I am very concerned about you wanting to die because your spouse left. Rather than trying to solve all the problems immediately let's focus on your feelings of hopelessness right now.".
D
The patient is demonstrating the cognitive distortions of dichotomous thinking (thinking in extremes) and overgeneralization. The patient is clearly in crisis and may be experiencing suicidal ideation. By identifying the most important problem and giving the patient permission to view one problem at a time with the therapist, the nurse is supporting effective problem solving by the patient. Using a cognitive behavioral approach, the nurse is able to perform a lethality assessment and then help the patient to expand alternatives and become a more flexible thinker.
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During a home visit, the nurse determines that care interventions are needed to address alcohol and substance abuse by family members. Which interventions should the nurse consider when planning care for this family?
Select all that apply. A) Suggest grief counseling. B) Evaluate family members' potential for being a danger to self or others. C) Suggest engaging in educational activities. D) Be alert to behaviors that indicate sibling jealousy. E) Recommend community resources to assist with substance abuse behavior.
Several nurses are discussing whether or not there is a single universally accepted hypothesis that provides an explanation about the pathophysiology and etiology of depression. Which statement by the nurse is accurate?
1. "Cerebral structure is responsible for depression." 2. "We know that heredity is the single cause of depression." 3. "Because all patients respond the same to SSRIs, we have a thorough understanding of the neurochemistry of depression." 4. "There is no unified hypothesis regarding pathophysiology and etiology of depression, in part because patients demonstrate individualized responses to treatments."
A client presents with curly hair and blue eyes. These findings are consistent with:
a. phenotype. b. genotype. c. dominant alleles. d. recessive traits.
Four patients arrive at the emergency department. All have attempted suicide by overdosing on medication. Which patient will the nurse plan to transfer to the renal failure unit?
1. The patient who overdosed on lorazepam (Ativan) 2. The patient who overdosed on amitriptyline (Elavil) 3. The patient who overdosed on ibuprofen (Advil) 4. The patient who overdosed on quetiapine (Seroquel)