The nurse is feeling overworked, tired, and irritable. Which of ...

[karen]

The nurse is feeling overworked, tired, and irritable. Which of the following should the nurse do to combat these feelings of burnout?
 
  1. Take a weekend off and party with friends to blow off steam.
  2. Spend one entire day in bed.
  3. Have a drink and social cigarette with friends.
  4. Exercise regularly, eat a well-balanced diet, and get adequate sleep.

Question 2

The family of a client in the critical care unit are complaining about the care their family member is receiving. Which of the following can the nurse do to reduce the family's stress?
 
  1. Inform the family about procedures and address their concerns.
  2. Encourage the family to not visit as frequently.
  3. Explain why the monitor volume is high and why it is necessary for the nurses to hear.
  4. Suggest they discuss their issues with the nursing supervisor.

[blakcmamba]

Answer to Question 1

4
The nurse who is experiencing burnout needs to apply self-care principles to her own life. These would include exercise, well-balanced diet, and adequate sleep. Partying with friends, staying in bed, drinking, and smoking are not appropriate self-care principles and may not help with the feelings of burnout.

Answer to Question 2

1
Clients in the critical care area are subjected to environmental stressors. The best intervention would be for the nurse to inform the family about procedures and address the family's concerns. The family should not be encouraged to reduce visits. The nurse should adjust the volume on the monitor to reduce environmental stimuli. The nurse should address the family's issues and not delegate this conversation to the nursing supervisor.