The mother of an 8-month-old infant with profound mental and physical disabilities tells the nurse how depressed she is because she realizes that her child will never achieve normal growth and development milestones. How should the nurse respond to this mother?
Encourage the mother to write thoughts and feelings in a journal.
Determine if the mother has other children who do not have developmental disabilities.
Reassure the mother that her child will achieve some growth and development milestones.
Ask the mother if she has ever thought about harming herself or her child.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Encouraging journaling may help with coping over time but does not address potential immediate safety concerns.
B. Asking about other children is not relevant to the mother’s current emotional state and does not assess risk.
C. Reassuring the mother about milestones may minimize her feelings and does not address her depression or potential risk of harm.
D. Asking the mother if she has ever thought about harming herself or her child is the priority response because it assesses for immediate risk of harm. Screening for suicidal or homicidal thoughts is essential when a parent expresses intense depression or hopelessness regarding a child’s condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Any history of heart disease: While a history of heart disease is important for general health, it is not the most critical factor prior to initiating sertraline. The nurse should still assess for cardiovascular conditions, but this is not the most pressing concern.
B. Familial history of mental illness: While a familial history of mental illness can inform treatment decisions, it is not the most immediate or critical piece of information before starting sertraline.
C. Current weight: Weight is generally not the primary consideration before starting sertraline. However, weight changes can occur during treatment, but this is more of a concern during the ongoing management of the medication.
D. Medication history: Sertraline, as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels (e.g., other antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, etc.). It is crucial to assess the client’s current medication history to prevent harmful drug interactions, such as serotonin syndrome. This is the most important information to gather before initiating treatment.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
An adult with schizophrenia who often refuses to take prescribed antipsychotic medications may require a different approach, such as medication education or supportive therapy.
Choice B rationale:
A hyperactive 4-year-old who has recently been tested for autism may benefit from play therapy or other age-appropriate interventions rather than role-playing.
Choice C rationale:
An older adult resident of a long-term care facility who sometimes takes other residents' belongings may require interventions focused on behavior management and addressing the underlying causes of this behavior.
Choice D rationale:
Role-playing can be an effective therapeutic intervention for individuals who need to practice social skills, communication, and problem-solving in a safe and controlled environment. In this case, the adolescent who is depressed over not being accepted by peers may benefit from role-playing to develop and practice social skills, assertiveness, and coping strategies for peer interactions.
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