The nurse is assessing the patient's use of coping skills in response to stressful situations. Which of the following questions is the most useful?
a. "Have you been evaluated for stress?"
b. "Do you have someone you can go to for help when you are stressed?"
c. "How have you managed stressful situations in the past?"
d. "Does stress cause you to experience muscle tension or headaches?"
ANS: C
The use of open-ended questions assists in obtaining accurate information regarding the patient's stressors and coping skills. Questions that elicit yes/no answers will not allow the patient to provide as much information. Asking the patient about headaches and tension is asking about physical symptoms, not coping skills.
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