A nurse is caring for four clients. For which of the following clients should the nurse use the therapeutic communication technique of silence?
A client who plans to leave the facility against medical advice.
A client who informs the nurse that they have made their funeral arrangements.
A client who tells the nurse that the night shift nurse did not bring their medication.
A client who has just experienced the death of their child.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice D: A client who has just experienced the death of their child.
Choice A rationale:
Offering silence to a client who plans to leave the facility against medical advice might not be the most appropriate therapeutic communication technique. Silence in this situation could be misconstrued as ignoring the client's concerns or not addressing their reasons for wanting to leave. Active listening and open-ended questioning would likely be more effective in understanding and addressing the client's concerns.
Choice B rationale:
A client who informs the nurse that they have made their funeral arrangements is expressing thoughts and emotions that might require sensitive communication. Silence in this context could be interpreted as neglecting the client's need for support and empathy. The nurse should engage in a compassionate conversation and encourage the client to share their feelings.
Choice C rationale:
For a client who tells the nurse that the night shift nurse did not bring their medication, silence would not be the most suitable response. This situation calls for clarification and action, as the nurse needs to address the medication discrepancy promptly. Engaging in open communication and resolving the issue is essential here.
Choice D rationale:
A client who has just experienced the death of their child is likely overwhelmed with grief and intense emotions. In this scenario, using the therapeutic communication technique of silence can provide the client with a supportive space to process their feelings. Offering a moment of silence acknowledges the depth of their emotions and gives them the opportunity to express themselves when they are ready.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is **d. Attach a humidifier to the base of the flow meter**.
Choice A rationale:
Keeping the side holes of the mask closed would restrict airflow and prevent the client from receiving the prescribed oxygen concentration. This action would be unsafe and should not be taken.
Choice B rationale:
Ensuring the reservoir bag is inflated on expiration is not necessary for a simple face mask. The reservoir bag is typically used with other oxygen delivery devices, such as a non-rebreather mask, to provide a higher concentration of oxygen. This action is not appropriate for the given scenario.
Choice C rationale:
Applying petroleum jelly to the client's nostrils is not a recommended action. Petroleum jelly can potentially cause irritation and dryness, which could lead to discomfort for the client. This action is not necessary for the safe administration of oxygen.
Choice D rationale:
Attaching a humidifier to the base of the flow meter is the appropriate action to ensure client safety. Humidifying the oxygen can help prevent drying of the client's airway and make the oxygen more comfortable to breathe. This is a recommended step when administering high-flow oxygen via a simple face mask.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. The client has tenderness and warmth in their calf.
Choice A rationale:
The client's self-reported incisional pain level of 7 on a scale of 0 to 10 is important information to assess postoperative recovery, but it is not the priority finding to report among the choices. Pain management is crucial, but potential complications that could be more urgent should be addressed first.
Choice B rationale:
Increased nausea and chills are concerning postoperative findings, but they could be related to the body's response to surgery, anesthesia, or pain medications. While these symptoms should be monitored and managed, they are not as high-priority as potential complications involving the calf.
Choice C rationale:
An oral temperature of 38.5°C (101.3°F) indicates a fever and is also a concerning finding in the postoperative period. Infection could be a possible cause, and the provider should be informed. However, compared to tenderness and warmth in the calf, which could suggest deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the fever is of slightly lower priority.
Choice D rationale:
Tenderness and warmth in the calf are the priority findings to report. These symptoms raise concern about the possibility of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious complication after surgery. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, commonly in the legs. If left untreated, it can lead to a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition where the clot travels to the lungs. Immediate assessment and intervention are necessary to rule out or address this potentially critical complication.

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