A patient comes to the clinic with superficial cuts on the left wrist. The patient is pacing and sobbing. After a few minutes with the nurse, the patient is calmer
What should the nurse ask to determine the patient's perception of the precipitating event?
a. "Tell me why you were crying."
b. "How did your wrist get injured?"
c. "How can I help you feel more comfortable?"
d. "What was happening just before you started to feel this way?"
ANS: D
A clear definition of the immediate problem provides the best opportunity to find a solution. Asking about recent upsetting events permits the assessment of the precipitating event. Asking "why" questions is a poor communication technique.
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Which action by a new staff nurse indicates that further teaching about complementary and alternative therapy may be needed?
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