The nurse is developing a care plan to help a patient deal with the stress associated with a chronic illness

Question

Which interventions should the nurse include? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply. 1. Remind the patient daily how lucky he is to have help available for dealing with his stressors.
2. Allow the patient to make as many personal care decisions as possible.
3. Assist the patient with gathering education about the disease process.
4. Assist the patient in developing positive coping mechanisms.
5. Avoid discussing the disease with the patient.

Answer 1

2,3,4
Rationale 1: Constantly reminding the patient that he is lucky is not therapeutic.
Rationale 2: Coping is influenced by the amount of control the individual is able to exert over the situation.
Rationale 3: Becoming educated about the illness can help to alleviate stress.
Rationale 4: Coping mechanisms can be positive as well as negative. The nurse should focus on positive coping mechanisms.
Rationale 5: The patient will benefit from an honest and calm discussion of the disease and its progress.