NCLEX-RN
Caring for a Patient Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse has an established relationship with the family of a client whose death is imminent. Which intervention should the nurse focus on in order to help the family most effectively cope with this experience?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Maintaining effective and open communication among family members affected by death and grief is important to facilitate decision making and effective coping. The nurse maintains and enhances communication and preserves the family's sense of self-direction and control effectively by answering questions clearly and providing information and resources for decision making as requested by the family. Isolating the family from the client by limiting time in the client's room is inappropriate. The nurse should not provide education about coping mechanisms for family members to use because coping mechanisms directed by the nurse are unlikely to be as effective as the methods that the individuals choose for themselves. Identifying spiritual measures that work best for the dying client generalizes and does not reflect individualized care.
Question 2 of 5
An older couple was emotionally despondent when their home was severely damaged by flooding. When planning for the couple's initial needs, what intervention should the community health nurse implement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The question asks about the first thing that the nurse needs to consider when planning for the rescue and relocation of these older residents. The initial concerns of community health are always attending to people's basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing. Contacting family, addressing emotional needs, and arranging for home repairs are needs that may be addressed as needed after physiological needs are met.
Question 3 of 5
A client diagnosed with Parkinson's disease is having difficulty adjusting to the disorder. The nurse provides education to the family that focuses on addressing the client's activities of daily living. Which statement indicates that the teaching has been effective?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The client with Parkinson's disease has a tendency to become withdrawn and depressed, which can be limited by encouraging the client to be an active participant in his or her own care. The family should plan activities intermittently throughout the day to inhibit daytime sleeping and boredom. The family should also give the client encouragement and praise for his or her perseverance in these efforts and help only when necessary.
Question 4 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 5 of 5
The nurse is interacting with the family of a client who is unconscious as a result of a head injury. Which approach should the nurse use to help the family cope with their concerns?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Families often need assistance to cope with the sudden severe illness of a loved one. The nurse should explain all equipment, treatments, and procedures, and he or she should supplement or reinforce the information given by the primary health care provider. Displaying grief is a normal process and should not be discouraged. The family should be encouraged to touch and speak to the client and become involved in the client's care in some way if they are comfortable with doing so. The nurse should allow the family to stay with the client whenever possible. This is important for both the client and the family.