A nurse is planning for a therapy dog to visit a client who has dementia. Which of the following is the purpose for this activity?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Relax the client. Introducing a therapy dog to a client with dementia can help in promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and improving overall well-being. Interacting with animals has been shown to have therapeutic effects, including lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, and increasing feelings of comfort and security. For individuals with dementia, who may experience agitation and confusion, the presence of a therapy dog can provide a calming and soothing effect. Option A) Evoke the client's memories may not be the primary purpose of a therapy dog visit for a client with dementia. While interactions with animals can sometimes trigger memories, the main goal in this context is typically to provide emotional support and comfort rather than specifically targeting memory recall. Option B) Decrease the client's depression is not the primary purpose of a therapy dog visit, although it may indirectly contribute to improving the client's mood. Therapy dogs are more focused on providing companionship and emotional support rather than directly addressing clinical depression. Option C) Improve the client's cognitive function is not the primary goal of a therapy dog visit. While animal-assisted therapy can have various benefits for cognitive function in certain populations, the main aim in this scenario is to promote relaxation and emotional well-being rather than specifically targeting cognitive enhancement. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind using therapy dogs in healthcare settings is crucial for nurses and other healthcare professionals. By recognizing the therapeutic benefits that animals can provide, healthcare providers can incorporate these interventions into patient care plans to enhance the overall well-being of their patients, particularly those with conditions such as dementia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, option B is the correct answer that indicates the need for further teaching. The patient's plan to eat only fruits and vegetables to lose weight faster reflects a misconception about nutrition and an unhealthy approach to managing anorexia nervosa. Option A demonstrates an understanding of the need to gradually increase food intake, which is a positive step in addressing anorexia nervosa. Option C shows awareness of the importance of restoring weight to a healthier level, aligning with treatment goals. Option D acknowledges the importance of patience and taking small steps in the recovery process, which are essential components of managing anorexia nervosa. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to provide accurate and comprehensive information to patients with anorexia nervosa to support their recovery. Teaching about balanced nutrition, gradual weight restoration, and the importance of patience in the recovery process are key aspects of care for individuals with eating disorders. Addressing misconceptions and promoting healthy behaviors are essential in helping patients make positive changes in their eating habits and overall health.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct response to this question involves applying the evaluation step of nursing process. Sleeping a total of 5 hours at night remains a reasonable outcome. Extending the period for attaining the outcome may be appropriate. Examining interventions might result in planning an activity during the afternoon rather than permitting a nap. Continuing the current plan without changes is inappropriate. Removing this nursing diagnosis from the plan of care would be correct when the outcome was met and the problem resolved. Writing a new nursing diagnosis is inappropriate because no other nursing diagnosis relates to the problem.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient's behaviors may indicate difficulty hearing. Identifying any physical need, the patient may have at the onset of the interview and making accommodations are important considerations. By asking if the patient is annoyed, the nurse is jumping to conclusions. Asking how to make the interview easier for the patient may not elicit a concrete answer. Asking about distractions is a way of asking about auditory hallucinations, which is not appropriate because the nurse has observed that the patient seems to be listening intently.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate response by the nurse is option B: "Let's talk about why you're afraid to eat and how we can help you." This response demonstrates therapeutic communication by acknowledging the patient's feelings and offering support to address the underlying issues causing the fear of eating in a patient with anorexia nervosa. Option A is incorrect because it is dismissive of the patient's feelings and lacks empathy, which can further alienate the patient and hinder the therapeutic relationship. Telling the patient they "need to eat" without addressing the underlying fear does not promote trust or collaboration in care. Option C is incorrect as it focuses solely on the physical aspect of eating to regain strength, neglecting the psychological and emotional factors contributing to the patient's fear of food. Recovery from anorexia nervosa requires a holistic approach that considers both physical and mental health aspects. Option D is also incorrect because it disregards the patient's autonomy and places undue pressure by demanding blind trust. Building trust in the therapeutic relationship involves understanding the patient's concerns and working collaboratively towards recovery. In an educational context, this question highlights the importance of empathetic and patient-centered communication in nursing care, especially when dealing with complex mental health issues like eating disorders. Nurses must approach patients with empathy, respect, and a willingness to address the underlying emotional issues to provide effective care and support in the recovery process.