A nurse is caring for a patient who is experiencing conflicting emotions about a recent diagnosis. What therapeutic communication technique should the nurse use to help the patient explore their feelings?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Reflecting the patient's feelings and expressions is a therapeutic communication technique that involves mirroring back the patient's emotions and thoughts. By doing this, the nurse validates the patient's experiences and helps them explore their feelings further. This technique can enhance the patient's self-awareness and promote emotional expression, leading to a deeper understanding of their conflicting emotions. Offering advice (Option A) may not be as effective because the focus should be on helping the patient process their own emotions. Providing reassurance and false hope (Option B) can hinder the patient's emotional exploration and may lead to trust issues if the reality does not align with the false reassurance. Redirecting the conversation to a different topic (Option D) avoids addressing the patient's conflicting emotions, which is crucial for therapeutic communication and support.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Signs such as using tissues to doorknobs suggest that the patient is unconsciously controlling unacceptable impulses or feelings. This behavior falls under the category of defense mechanisms, specifically displacement, where the individual redirects their emotions from a threatening target to a safer one. In this case, the patient may be experiencing anxiety or fear related to contamination or germs, leading them to use tissues to avoid touching doorknobs directly. It is a way for the patient to manage their underlying emotions, albeit unconsciously, through this compulsive behavior.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: If visible residue is noticed on the surgical instruments, it is crucial to re-sterilize them before using them for any procedure. Visible residue may indicate that the instruments are not sterile and could potentially introduce contaminants into the patient during the procedure, leading to infection or other complications. It is essential to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and sterility in healthcare settings to ensure patient safety. Therefore, the nurse should take immediate action to re-sterilize the instruments before proceeding with any surgical procedure.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Referring the client to a lactation consultant for specialized support should be prioritized to support successful breastfeeding in this situation. Breast augmentation surgery may impact milk production, let-down reflex, and proper latch due to alterations in breast tissue and nerve pathways. A lactation consultant can provide individualized guidance and support to address these specific challenges. Additionally, the consultant can assist in establishing a breastfeeding plan tailored to the client's unique needs, helping to optimize the breastfeeding experience for both the mother and the baby. It is crucial to seek expert assistance in navigating any potential difficulties that may arise from breastfeeding after breast augmentation to promote successful breastfeeding outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: It is NOT recommended to use the same syringe and needle in administering two different vaccines. This is to prevent contamination or mixing of different vaccines, which could potentially affect their effectiveness or pose a risk to the individual receiving the vaccines. It is important to use separate syringes and needles for each vaccine to ensure proper administration and prevent any adverse reactions.