A patient has had emphysema (lung disease) for many years. When approached by the nurse, the patient states "I would be better off dead."
The patient supports the family, and now because of oxygen dependency the patient must quit work. The patient's spouse will have to go to work. Which action should the nurse take?
a. Develop a plan of care for the family.
b. Contact psychiatric services for a referral.
c. Assure the patient that things will work out.
d. Focus the plan of care solely on maximizing patient function.
ANS: A
Because of the effects of chronic illness, family dynamics often change. The nurse must view the whole family as a patient under stress, planning care to help the family regain its maximal level of functioning and well-being. Psychiatric services may be a part of that plan but do not represent the entire plan. Offering false assurance is never acceptable. Focusing only on the patient will not help the family adjust.
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Which of the following is required for an agency to receive reimbursement for care given from Medicare?
a. Application for recognition including signing a contract with the federal government b. Application for reimbursement from Medicare using the appropriate federal forms c. Demonstrating meeting federal quality standards for Medicare-covered services d. Providing specialty care such as physical therapy
When assisting the patient with middle-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) to dress, the nurse should:
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The parent of a child with a chronic illness tells the nurse, "I feel so hopeless in this situation." The nurse should take which actions to foster hopefulness for the family? (Select all that apply.)
a. Avoid topics that are lighthearted. b. Convey a personal interest in the child. c. Be honest when reporting on the child's condition. d. Do not initiate any playful interaction with the child. e. Demonstrate competence and gentleness when delivering care.
Which statement regarding disability and chronic illness is true?
A. Disabilities and chronic illnesses occur most often in young adults. B. Accidents are responsible for more chronic and disabling conditions than chronic disease. C. In the United States, one in seven persons experiences activity limitations because of chronic health problems. D. Men experience more disability than women, but women experience a higher in-cidence of chronic illness than men.