Author Question: A nurse assesses an older adult's abstract thinking ability. Which of the following questions is ... (Read 52 times)

debasdf · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

A nurse assesses an older adult's abstract thinking ability. Which of the following questions is most appropriate?

A) Do you know why you are in hospital right now?
B) What do a dog and a cat have in common?
C) What goals do you have for your treatment and recovery?
D) What would you do if you found a stamped, addressed letter on the ground?

Question 2

Even in a high acuity situation, a nurse can assess the spiritual needs of a client. Which of the following questions is appropriate for the older adult admitted to the intensive care unit for sepsis?

A) Do you attend church services?
B) Is there a spiritual leader we can call for you?
C) What are your beliefs about death?
D) What religion are you?

leannegxo · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans: B
Asking what traits two similar, but not identical, objects share is a way of gaining insight into a client's ability to think abstractly. Option A addresses insight, not abstract thinking, while Option C is a useful assessment question, but not one that addresses abstract thinking. Option D could be used to assess the client's judgment.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: B
Asking about religion is less important than asking about spirituality, and while the nurse in the intensive care unit may not be able to complete a full spirituality assessment, they can obtain support for the client. Asking about death beliefs may be appropriate in a full spiritual assessment, but not for the high acuity client.