The nurse is planning care for a patient with depression and who has severe cerebral palsy, communicates only with a computer, and is quadriplegic. Which statement best demonstrates that the nurse has engaged in self-reflection prior to caring for this patient?

Question

1. "It is important to interview the patient's family before I meet the patient."
2. "The first thing I will do is thoroughly assess the patient's needs and abilities."
3. "I will need to be aware of my feelings and any potential fears related to caring for this patient."
4. "I will read the patient's health record and talk with the healthcare provider to understand the patient's disabilities."

Answer 1

3. "I will need to be aware of my feelings and any potential fears related to caring for this patient."

Explanation:
The nurse must be aware of his or her feelings when caring for this patient. The nurse recognizes that before meeting any patient, it is important to recognize one's feelings and clarify beliefs and attitudes, especially when receiving medical information that might be unusual or even frightening. Assessing the patient's needs and abilities and interviewing the family may be helpful in caring for this patient, but these actions will not necessarily enhance the nurse's self-awareness. Reading the record and talking with the healthcare provider suggests that the nurse has difficulty confronting feelings and will rely on others for guidance.