A patient has just learned that all possible treatments for his disease have been exhausted, and it will likely claim his life within the next month. He is alert, has full control of his motor abilities, and is comfortable
He tells the nurse he cannot bear to leave his 11- and 13-year-old children when they are so young, that they seem so upset by his condition they change the topic when he brings it up, that he does not know how to talk with them, and yet he has so many things he has to say to them while there is still time. Which option would be most helpful for the nurse to endorse? a. Writing down his feelings and thoughts in a journal
b. Talking with a minister, priest, or hospice social worker
c. Telling the children that there is no time, they must face this
d. Praying for guidance and strength to deal with this challenge
A
Writing down thoughts and feelings can be a very helpful means of expressing oneself when speaking them aloud is difficult. It allows one to carefully compose and edit them until they truly reflect what is going on inside the person and to contemplate and adjust them over time. The act of writing down feelings can also help one process them and reduce the anxiety present about sharing these feelings aloud. In this situation, even if the patient's time ends before he can communicate his thoughts and feelings to the children orally, the journals will serve to pass along important reflections and give the children an opportunity to reread them when they are older and more mature. The other options may be of value as well but lack the benefits noted with journaling. Pressing the children to talk may increase their anxiety and distress, leading to further withdrawal at a time when there is so little time remaining to be together. Prayer is a culturally sensitive intervention that may or may not be acceptable to the patient's sensibilities and may or may not lead to the answers he seeks.
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Fill in the blank with correct word.
A client is applying thigh high antiembolism stockings after being instructed by the nurse. Evidence that the client understands the instructions would be that the client:
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The nurse is devising a care plan for a client with complex health issues and current acute health problems. Which criteria should the nurse ensure is used when planning interventions for this client?
1. Congruent with the client's values, beliefs, and culture 2. Are within established standards of care 3. Based on scientific and medical knowledge 4. Achievable with the resources available 5. Must be safe and appropriate for the client's age
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