An adult male reports new-onset, seizure-like activity. An EEG and a neurology consultant's report rule out a seizure disorder. It is determined the patient is using conversion. Which action should the nurse take next?
a. Suggest acupuncture.
b. Confront the patient on malingering.
c. Obtain history of any recent life stressors.
d. Recommend a regular exercise program.
ANS: C
Unconsciously repressing an anxiety-producing emotional conflict and transforming it into nonorganic symptoms (e.g., difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite) describes conversion. The nurse must assess the patient fully for emotional conflict and stress before implementing any nursing interventions (acupuncture or exercise program). Although the patient may be malingering, confrontation is nontherapeutic because the patient is using this type of defense mechanism in response to some type of stressor.
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Which is the first step in the guidelines for promoting a caring interview with a patient?
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At how many drops per minute will you set the IV to infuse if the drop factor is 15 gtt/mL? 1. 250 gtt/min. 2. 28 gtt/min. 3. 10 gtt/min. 4. 25 gtt/min.