The nurse caring for a trauma patient permanently blind as a result of an accident established the nursing diagnosis as ineffective coping upon the patient's admission 1 week ago

Question

The nurse recognizes that the patient is exhibiting positive coping skills and is moving toward acceptance of his blindness when:
A) She hears him tell his mother, "I know one day I will see again."
B) She hears him tell his girlfriend, "You don't want to hang around me anymore. I won't be much fun and I will be a lot of work."
C) He tells the nurse, "I have always wanted a dog and now I will have one of my own."
D) He tells his father, "I know I will never graduate from college now that I have this disability."

Answer 1

Ans: C
Feedback: The nurse recognizes that the patient is demonstrating effective coping skills when he states that his wish for a dog now will be fulfilled. This statement indicates the patient is acknowledging his blindness and thinking toward the future. Effective coping may not occur until the patient recognizes the permanence of the blindness. Clinging to false hopes of regaining vision hampers effective adaptation to blindness. The statement that the patient expects one day to see again demonstrates denial of the permanence of his blindness. The patient also exhibits lack of coping skills when he states that he will never graduate from college and is not worthy of his girlfriend.