A client has been on the nursing unit for a few weeks because of complications after surgery, including the need for extensive wound care. During the last dressing change before discharge to home with home health services, the client becomes angry and says, “You don’t have to be so careful. I’m being sent home anyway!” Which response, if made by the nurse WOULD NOT be therapeutic? Select one answer
“I hear frustration or perhaps anger in your voice. Could you tell me more about how you are feeling right now?”
“It sounds as though you are nervous about going home, but the wound care nurse who will see you also uses excellent technique I am sure your wound will continue to heal.”
“Do you have any concerns about what will happen after discharge that you would like to talk about?”
“Many people who have been in the hospital for an extended period have mixed feelings about going home. Can you tell me how you are feeling about discharge?”
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: “I hear frustration or perhaps anger in your voice. Could you tell me more about how you are feeling right now?” is a therapeutic response, not a non-therapeutic one. This response shows active listening, which is a communication skill that involves hearing, understanding, and responding to the client’s verbal and nonverbal messages. It also shows empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It acknowledges and validates the client’s emotions, and invites them to express their concerns or fears. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice B reason: “It sounds as though you are nervous about going home, but the wound care nurse who will see you also uses excellent technique I am sure your wound will continue to heal.” is a non-therapeutic response, not a therapeutic one. This response shows false reassurance, which is a communication technique that involves minimizing or dismissing the other person’s feelings or situation. It also shows assumption, which is a communication barrier that involves making judgments or guesses about what the other person thinks or feels. It does not address the client’s emotions or needs, and may sound vague or insincere. Therefore, this choice is correct.
Choice C reason: “Do you have any concerns about what will happen after discharge that you would like to talk about?” is a therapeutic response, not a non-therapeutic one. This response shows open-ended questioning, which is a communication technique that involves asking questions that require more than a yes or no answer. It also shows support, which is a communication technique that involves providing emotional or practical assistance to the client, and helping them cope with their situation or problem. It encourages the client to share their thoughts and feelings, and shows that the nurse is interested, supportive, and empathetic. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice D reason: “Many people who have been in the hospital for an extended period have mixed feelings about going home. Can you tell me how you are feeling about discharge?” is a therapeutic response, not a non-therapeutic one. This response shows generalization, which is a communication technique that involves using statements that apply to most people in similar situations. It also shows reflection, which is a communication technique that involves restating or paraphrasing what the client has said to show understanding and clarify meaning. It helps the client to feel less alone or isolated, and to explore their own feelings or thoughts. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D) “I understand that you would like some ice cream, but I need you to be more respectful when you ask me for something.” This is an assertive response because it acknowledges the patient’s request, expresses the nurse’s feelings, and sets a clear boundary for acceptable behavior. Assertiveness is the ability to communicate one’s needs, opinions, and feelings in a respectful and confident manner.
“You are hungry and want a snack. I can do that in 10 minutes when I finish my rounds.” is incorrect. This is a passive response because it does not address the patient’s rudeness or assert the nurse’s rights. Passive communication is the tendency to avoid conflict, suppress one’s feelings, and comply with others’ demands.
“Maybe I can get one of the aides to bring you something in a while.” is incorrect. This is an evasive response because it does not commit to fulfilling the patient’s request or confronting the patient’s attitude. Evasive communication is the tendency to avoid responsibility, give vague answers, and shift blame to others.
“Call the nursing station and ask them to have the kitchen bring whatever you want.” is incorrect. This is an aggressive response because it rejects the patient’s request, shows irritation, and implies that the nurse does not care about the patient’s needs. Aggressive communication is the tendency to dominate, criticize, and blame others.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Fear is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the client’s emotional response to a perceived threat or danger. It can be caused by factors such as uncertainty, lack of control, or loss of function. It can result in symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, or palpitations. The client may experience fear related to their chronic renal failure and its complications, but it is not the highest priority nursing diagnosis, as it is not directly affecting their physical health or safety. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice B reason: Toileting self-care deficit is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the client’s ability to perform or complete activities related to urination or defecation. It can be caused by factors such as physical impairment, cognitive impairment, or environmental barriers. It can result in symptoms such as incontinence, constipation, or skin breakdown. The client may have a toileting self-care deficit related to their chronic renal failure and its effects on their urinary function, but it is not the highest priority nursing diagnosis, as it is not immediately life-threatening. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice C reason: Excess fluid volume is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the retention of water and sodium in the body. It can be caused by factors such as renal failure, heart failure, or liver cirrhosis. It can result in symptoms such as edema, hypertension, tachycardia, dyspnea, or crackles. The client’s vital signs and physical findings suggest that they have excess fluid volume, which is the highest priority nursing diagnosis, as it can lead to pulmonary edema, cardiac arrhythmias, or stroke if not treated promptly. Therefore, this choice is correct.
Choice D reason: Urinary retention is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the inability to empty the bladder completely or at all. It can be caused by factors such as obstruction, infection, or medication. It can result in symptoms such as difficulty or pain in urinating, frequent or urgent urination, or abdominal distension. The client may have urinary retention related to their chronic renal failure and its effects on their bladder function, but it is not the highest priority nursing diagnosis, as it is not directly causing their fluid overload or cardiovascular compromise. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
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