The husband of a client who has a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube states to the nurse, “I thought having this tube down her nose the first time would convince my wife to quit drinking.” The nurse should make which response to the client’s husband? Select one answer
"Alcoholism is a disease that affects the whole family.”
"You sound frustrated in dealing with your wife’s drinking problem.”
"I think you are a good person to stay here with your wife.”
“Have you discussed this subject at the support group meetings?”
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: "Alcoholism is a disease that affects the whole family.” is not the best response to the client’s husband. This response shows generalization, which is a communication technique that involves using statements that apply to most people in similar situations. It also shows lecturing, which is a communication barrier that involves giving unsolicited advice or information to the other person. It may make the client’s husband feel stereotyped, judged, or patronized, and may discourage further communication. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice B reason: "You sound frustrated in dealing with your wife’s drinking problem.” is the best response to the client’s husband. 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 husband’s emotions, and invites him to express his concerns or fears. Therefore, this choice is correct.
Choice C reason: "I think you are a good person to stay here with your wife.” is not the best response to the client’s husband. This response shows praise, which is a communication technique that involves giving positive feedback or recognition to the other person. It also shows assumption, which is a communication barrier that involves making judgments or guesses about what the other person thinks or feels. It may make the client’s husband feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or pressured, and may not address his underlying feelings or needs. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice D reason: “Have you discussed this subject at the support group meetings?” is not the best response to the client’s husband. This response shows closed-ended questioning, which is a communication technique that involves asking questions that require a yes or no answer or a specific piece of information. It also shows probing, which is a communication barrier that involves asking too many or inappropriate questions to the other person. It may make the client’s husband feel defensive, invaded, or resentful, and may violate his privacy or confidentiality. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because it shows that the nurse is not using a systematic and evidence-based approach to care. The nurse’s notes are a form of documentation, not a source of planning.
Choice B reason: This is correct because it shows that the nurse is using a systematic and evidence-based approach to care. The nursing diagnosis is a clinical judgment that identifies the client’s actual or potential health problems or needs and provides the basis for selecting appropriate interventions.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because it shows that the nurse is not using a holistic and individualized approach to care. The doctor’s orders are a form of prescription, not a source of planning.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because it shows that the nurse is confusing the outcome with the process. The care plan is a written document that outlines the goals, interventions, and evaluation of care, not a source of planning.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Ineffective thermoregulation is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the body’s ability to maintain a normal temperature range. It can be caused by factors such as infection, inflammation, or environmental exposure. It can result in symptoms such as fever, chills, sweating, or shivering. The client’s temperature of 102oF (38.9oC) suggests that they have ineffective thermoregulation, but it is not the highest priority nursing diagnosis, as it is not immediately life-threatening. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice B reason: Decreased cardiac output is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute. It can be caused by factors such as arrhythmias, heart failure, or shock. It can result in symptoms such as hypotension, tachycardia, dyspnea, or oliguria. The client’s heart rate of 144 beats/minute and irregular suggests that they have decreased cardiac output, which is the highest priority nursing diagnosis, as it can lead to organ failure or death if not treated promptly. Therefore, this choice is correct.
Choice C reason: Ineffective breathing patern is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the rate, rhythm, depth, or quality of respirations. It can be caused by factors such as airway obstruction, lung disease, or anxiety. It can result in symptoms such as dyspnea, cyanosis, or hypoxia. The client’s respiratory rate of 22 breaths/minute is within the normal range and does not indicate an ineffective breathing patern. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice D reason: Ineffective renal tissue perfusion is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the blood flow to the kidneys. It can be caused by factors such as renal artery stenosis, dehydration, or sepsis. It can result in symptoms such as oliguria, hematuria, or azotemia. The client’s vital signs do not indicate an ineffective renal tissue perfusion, and there is no evidence of renal impairment or dysfunction. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

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