Author Question: The nurse caring for a 40-year-old building contractor with rheumatoid arthritis realizes from what ... (Read 65 times)

mckennatimberlake · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

The nurse caring for a 40-year-old building contractor with rheumatoid arthritis realizes from what
he says that his wife and 13-year-old son have taken on many new roles since he became severely
debilitated.

They have become caregivers, helping him dress, lifting him into his truck so he can go
to building sites, and picking him up when he falls. His wife has taken over ordering building
supplies and assigning work teams in addition to running her own home cleaning business. When the
nurse asks the wife How are you holding up these days? her response is Sometimes I wonder how
long we are going to be able to provide the care he needs. He seems to be weaker every month. I feel
like I am going to collapse under the strain, but I know I have to keep going. It is hard on our son,
too, to see his dad so helpless.. The nursing diagnosis the nurse should consider completing is
a. ineffective denial.
b. defensive coping.
c. spiritual distress.
d. caregiver role strain.

Question 2

When the nurse wishes to pursue assessment of suicidal ideation in an elderly client, a question that
would provide valuable data is

a. What thoughts do you have about a person's right to take his or her life?
b. Do you have any risk factors that potentially contribute to suicide?
c. Do you think you are vulnerable to developing depressed mood?
d. If you felt suicidal, would you communicate your feelings to anyone?

kilada · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
The definition of this diagnosis is difficulty in performing family caregiver role. The information in
the scenario is clearly related to this diagnosis but not directly related to any of the other options.

Answer to Question 2

A
This question is clear, direct, and respectful. It will produce information relative to the acceptability
of suicide as an option to the client. If the client deems suicide unacceptable, no further assessment
is necessary. If the client deems suicide as acceptable, the nurse can continue to assess intent, plan,
means to carry out the plan, lethality of the chosen method, and so forth. The other options are less
direct and will produce responses that may be unclear.