A client's wife has just learned that her husband is terminally ill. She is sitting in the corner of the client's room crying, and says to the nurse, "I feel as if I'm already so alone." Which action should the nurse take first?

Explain that alternative treatment options may be helpful.

Encourage the wife to share her feelings.

Offer reassurance that she is not alone.

Remind her that her husband may still live a long time.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because explaining that alternative treatment options may be helpful can be insensitive and unrealistic, as it may raise false hopes or imply that the husband's condition is not serious.

Choice B Reason: This is correct because encouraging the wife to share her feelings can help her cope with her grief and express her emotions in a supportive environment. The nurse should use active listening and empathic responses.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because offering reassurance that she is not alone can be dismissive and invalidating, as it may minimize her feelings or imply that she should not feel lonely.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because reminding her that her husband may still live a long time can be dishonest and inappropriate, as it may contradict the medical prognosis or imply that she should not prepare for his death.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because occult blood is not visible to the naked eye. Waiting for observable blood may delay diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because tarry black stool indicates upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which may not be related to the client's condition. Occult blood can be present in any color of stool.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because the nurse should obtain the specimen from the client's current bowel movement, regardless of its color or consistency. The test for occult blood detects hemoglobin in the stool, which may indicate bleeding anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because contacting the healthcare provider before obtaining the specimen is unnecessary and may waste time. The nurse should follow the protocol for stool specimen collection and report any abnormal findings to the provider.

A. "Would you like to talk for a little while?" B. "I can see that you are feeling lonely." C. "Tell me about the visit with your significant other." D. "What did you enjoy about your visit tonight?"

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is correct because this response invites the client to express her feelings and thoughts without imposing any assumptions or judgments. It also conveys empathy and respect for the client's autonomy.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because this response makes an inference about the client's emotional state without validating it with her. It also may sound patronizing or pitying, which can hinder rapport.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because this response may be perceived as intrusive or prying, especially if the client is not ready or willing to share details about her personal relationship. It also may trigger negative emotions or memories that can worsen her mood.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because this response may be seen as superficial or irrelevant, especially if the client did not enjoy her visit or had a conflict with her significant other. It also may imply that the nurse is avoiding or dismissing the client's current feelings.

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A client's wife has just learned that her husband is terminally ill. She is sitting in the corner of the client's room crying, and says to the nurse, "I feel as if I'm already so alone." Which action should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

While preparing to obtain a stool specimen for occult blood, the nurse observes that the client's feces is soft, solid, and light brown. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A female client assigned to a mental health unit visits with her significant other during the evening. After the significant other leaves, the nurse notices that the client is more isolative and refuses to attend the evening group. Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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A client reports pain, numbness, and tingling sensations in the lower legs. How should the nurse document this finding?

The nurse plans to administer naloxone 1 mg. The label of the 10 mL vial indicates that the drug concentration is 0.4 mg/mL. How many mL should the nurse administer? (Enter numeric value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest tenth.)

While changing the dressing of a client with a leg ulcer, the nurse observes a red, tender, and swollen wound at the site of the lesion. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should note which of the client's laboratory values?

The nurse administers morphine to a client for chest pain who also has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement before leaving the client alone?

Patient Data Exhibits Review H and P and nurse's notes. Identify from the choices area to specify which condition the client is most likely experiencing, two actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.