A 20-year-old patient who sustained a T2 spinal cord injury 10 days ago angrily tells the nurse "I want to be transferred to a hospital where the nurses know what they are doing!" Which action by the nurse is best?

a. Clarify that abusive language will not be tolerated.
b. Request that the patient provide input for the plan of care.
c. Perform care without responding to the patient's comments.
d. Reassure the patient about the competence of the nursing staff.


ANS: B
The patient is demonstrating behaviors consistent with the anger phase of the grief process, and the nurse should allow expression of anger and seek the patient's input into care. Expression of anger is appropriate at this stage, and should be accepted by the nurse. Reassurance about the competency of the staff will not be helpful in responding to the patient's anger. Ignoring the patient's comments will increase the patient's anger and sense of helplessness.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

A patient is diagnosed with giant cell arteritis (GCA) and is placed on corticosteroids. A concern for this patient is that he will stop taking the medication as soon as he starts to feel better

Why must the nurse emphasize the need for continued adherence to the prescribed medication? A) To avoid complications such as venous thromboembolism B) To avoid the progression to osteoporosis C) To avoid the progression of GCA to degenerative joint disease D) To avoid complications such as blindness

Nursing

The registered nurse is precepting a first-year nursing student. She is demonstrating how to appropriately auscultate. Auscultation is defined as which of the following?

a. Listening with a stethoscope to sounds produced by the body b. Tapping the body with the fingertips to produce a vibration c. Becoming familiar with the nature and source of body odors d. Using the hands to touch body parts to make a sensitive assessment

Nursing

A staff nurse has been working in the neonatal critical care unit for 10 years. She believes that a professional nurse is a lifelong learner. Many staff members come to her for clinical problem solving and advice. This nurse has:

a. decisional authority. b. formal power. c. informal power. d. quantum authority.

Nursing

Whether it is intentional or not, leaders and managers always communicate their:

a. attitude. b. power. c. spirituality. d. decisions.

Nursing