When a terminally ill client expresses a need for something more ...

[ishan]

When a terminally ill client expresses a need for something more to help me cope with the pain, the nurse bases the recommendation of meditation on which principle concerning this alternative therapy?
 
  a. It is efficient and usually takes less than 5 minutes to implement.
  b. It has been shown to decrease anxiety and depression.
  c. It improves cognitive abilities.
  d. It has been known to eliminate emotional distress.

Question 2

An elder is experiencing severe chronic pain resulting from a terminal illness. Which intervention by the nurse would be most appropriate when he verbalizes a desire to find some sort of mean-ing to all of this?
 
  a. Introduce a sensory distraction, such as television
  b. Reassure him that this is normal phase that everyone experiences
  c. Listen and help him express his feelings about life and death
  d. Ask the doctor to order a psychiatric con-sult for possible depression

[ladyjames123]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Meditation has been shown to produce a sense of calm, better health, and a higher energy levels in its wake. Meditation usually lasts 20 minutes at a time. It does not cause changes in cognitive abilities, nor does it eliminate emotional distress, but it does help manage it.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The most appropriate intervention at this time is to listen and facilitate the expressions of feelings about life and death. The patient may have the need to talk; the role of the nurse is to assist the patient to find meaning and reconciliation. By attempting to distract the client, you are negating the patient's feelings. It is not true that everyone experiences it and each person's experience is different and the patient needs to be allowed room for expression. It is within the role of the nurse to listen to the patient and assist him in expressing concerns. A psychiatric consultation is not warranted at this time.