/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 136 A 42-year-old homemaker presents... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

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A 42-year-old homemaker presents in the emergency department with uncontrollable tension and anxiety, difficulty in eating and sleeping, and feelings of extreme insecurity. Her husband of 17 years has recently asked for a divorce. The client is crying hysterically and rocking in a chair in the hospital room. Which is the best response for the nurse to make? 1\. "You must stop crying so we can discuss your feelings about the divorce." 2\. "Once you find a job, you will feel much better and more secure." 3\. "I can see how upset you are. Let's sit in my office so we can talk about how you are feeling." 4\. "OOnce you have a lawyer looking out for you interests, you will feel better."

Short Answer

Expert verified
The best response is: "I can see how upset you are. Let's sit in my office so we can talk about how you are feeling."

Step by step solution

01

Identify Emotional Support Needs

Recognize that the patient is experiencing intense emotional distress due to her current life situation. The primary need here is to address her immediate emotional state and provide support and validation for her feelings.
02

Evaluate Response Options

Examine each of the given responses to determine which one best addresses the emotional and psychological needs of the patient without adding additional stress or pressure.
03

Analyze First Response

The first response, "You must stop crying so we can discuss your feelings about the divorce," can be dismissive and may not provide the immediate emotional support the patient needs. It focuses on stopping her expression of distress, which is counterproductive.
04

Analyze Second Response

The second response, "Once you find a job, you will feel much better and more secure," seems practical but does not provide immediate emotional support. It overlooks the patient's current emotional turmoil and shifts the focus to an unrelated future action.
05

Analyze Third Response

The third response, "I can see how upset you are. Let's sit in my office so we can talk about how you are feeling," acknowledges the patient's emotional state. It offers a safe space for her to express her feelings and receive the immediate support she needs.
06

Analyze Fourth Response

The fourth response, "Once you have a lawyer looking out for your interests, you will feel better," is practical in terms of addressing legal and financial concerns but does not address the immediate emotional distress the patient is experiencing.
07

Select Best Response

Based on the analysis, the best response is the third one. It shows empathy, acknowledges the patient's current emotional state, and offers to provide support in a space conducive to discussing her feelings.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Patient Care Strategies
When dealing with patients in distress, it's essential to focus on strategies that address both their immediate and long-term needs. The right patient care strategy starts by assessing the individual situation and understanding the patient's emotional and physical state. It's vital to create a comforting environment that encourages openness and trust.

- **Assessment and Observation:** Analyze the patient's condition, which includes both emotional and physical states. This helps in formulating an effective care plan.
- **Environment Setting:** Provide a safe and calm atmosphere. This promotes a sense of safety, making it easier for patients to express themselves.
- **Care Personalization:** Customize care strategies to meet the unique needs of each patient, considering their emotional and psychological dynamics.

Incorporating these strategies ensures that the care provided is patient-centered and holistic, allowing for optimal recovery and emotional support.
Emotional Distress Management
Emotional distress management is crucial in nursing, as many patients present with psychological struggles alongside physical issues. Understanding the roots of this distress and addressing it appropriately is key. This involves emotionally sensitive interactions and interventions.

- **Validating Emotions:** Acknowledge the patient's feelings. Phrases like "I can see how upset you are" can validate their emotions, helping them feel understood and supported.
- **Active Listening:** Encourage patients to share their feelings without interruption. This fosters a therapeutic alliance and shows the patient that their feelings are valued.
- **Coping Mechanisms:** Introduce healthy coping strategies tailored to the patient’s specific situation. Techniques like deep breathing, meditative visualization, or even guided discussions can be beneficial.

Effective emotional distress management aids in reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of control and understanding in patients, which is foundational for healing.
Therapeutic Communication for Nurses
Therapeutic communication is a cornerstone of nursing. It facilitates healing by establishing trust and understanding between the nurse and patient. Employing this skill effectively involves a genuine interest in the patient’s wellbeing and a structured approach to communication.

- **Empathy Building:** Show compassion and empathy consistently. It can be as simple as sharing understanding through verbal and non-verbal communication.
- **Open-ended Questions:** Use questions that invite patients to open up about their feelings and concerns. This encourages dialogue and reveals underlying issues.
- **Reflective Feedback:** Provide feedback that reflects the patient's concerns back to them, demonstrating understanding and engagement, which invites further discussion.

By mastering therapeutic communication, nurses can enhance patient trust, lower emotional barriers, and contribute to a more comprehensive approach to healing and support. This can greatly improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

A client's injuries are not consistent with how the client reported the accident. The client denies the injuries are the result of abuse. The nurse would document: 1\. only the client's explanation. 2\. only the physical findings with a diagram of the injuries. 3\. only the client's explanation and the physical findings with a diagram of the injuries. 4\. an opinion that the injuries are not consistent with the client's explanation.

A client diagnosed with bipolar disease is running in the halls and entering other client's rooms. Select the nurse's best response. 1\. "You need to walk with me to get some medicine to help you calm down." 2\. "You need to stay out of other peoples rooms." 3\. "If you cannot stay in the living area, you will need to stay in your room." 4\. "Why are you running in the halls?"

Antidepressants are considered the treatment of choice for major depression; however, they should be used with caution in clients with: 1\. respiratory disease. 2\. cardiac disease. 3\. renal disease. 4\. liver disease.

When planning intervention for a client during a crisis, the nurse would have a desired outcome to be: 1\. client will explore deep psychological problems. 2\. client will express positive feeling about event. 3\. client will identify needs that are threatened by the event. 4\. client will use constructive coping mechanisms.

A crucial factor the nurse needs to identify during crisis intervention for a pregnant woman is the woman's: 1\. available support systems. 2\. history of unresolved problems. 3\. underlying psychological conflicts. 4\. ability to restructure her personal relationships.

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