NCLEX-RN
Caring for a Patient Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client and her infant have been diagnosed as being positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). When the mother is observed crying, the nurse determines that which intervention will meet the client's initial needs?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This client has just received devastating news and needs to have someone present with her as she begins to cope with this issue. The nurse needs to sit and actively listen while the mother talks and cries. Examining the mother and describing the progression and treatment of HIV is not appropriate for this stage of coping. Calling an HIV counselor may be helpful, but it is not what the client needs initially.
Question 2 of 5
Shortly after a client dies, the nurse asks the family about funeral arrangements. When the family refuses to discuss the issue, which intervention by the nurse is appropriate for their stage of grief?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The family is exhibiting the first stage of grief: denial. By asking the family if they would like time alone with the client, the nurse supports the family's feelings and allows the family to process the death. Option 1 is a suitable intervention for the acceptance or reorganization and restitution stage of grief. Eliminate options 2 and 3 because they are not appropriate at this time since the family has indicated their desire not to discuss funeral arrangements.
Question 3 of 5
A client and her infant have been diagnosed as being positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). When the mother is observed crying, the nurse determines that which intervention will meet the client's initial needs?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This client has just received devastating news and needs to have someone present with her as she begins to cope with this issue. The nurse needs to sit and actively listen while the mother talks and cries. Examining the mother and describing the progression and treatment of HIV is not appropriate for this stage of coping. Calling an HIV counselor may be helpful, but it is not what the client needs initially.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse cared for a client who died a few minutes ago. Which event supports the nurse's belief that the client died with dignity?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The family response is an external perception, and it is extremely important. Families derive a great deal of comfort from knowing that their loved one received the best care possible. The correct option provides external validation that the client received comprehensive, quality care. Option 2 focuses on the feelings of the nurse, who may be expressing his or her own anxiety. Option 3 focuses on the provider's prescriptions rather than client care. Option 4 reflects on only one aspect of the care of a dying client.
Question 5 of 5
A stillborn baby was delivered a few hours ago. After the birth, the family has remained together, holding and touching the baby. The registered nurse is orienting a new nurse, and has provided education on how to communicate with the family. Which statement by the new nurse indicates that teaching has been effective?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nurses should be able to explore measures that assist the family with creating memories of the infant so that the existence of the child is confirmed, and the parents can complete the grieving process. The correct option identifies this measure and also demonstrates a caring and empathetic client-focused response while providing the family with the option to express their needs. Option 2 devalues the parents' feelings and is inappropriate. Option 3 is inappropriate and reflects a lack of knowledge on the nurse's part. Option 4 appears that the nurse is uncaring.