A parent is admitted to a chemical dependency treatment unit. The ...

[nenivikky]

A parent is admitted to a chemical dependency treatment unit. The patient's spouse and adolescent children attend a family session. Which initial assessment question should the nurse ask of family members?
 
  a. What changes are most important to you?
  b. How are feelings expressed in your family?
  c. What types of family education would benefit your family?
  d. Can you identify a long-term goal for improved functioning?

Question 2

An adult recently diagnosed with AIDS is hospitalized with pneumonia. The patient and family are very anxious. Select the best outcome to add to the plan of care for this family.
 
  a. Describe the stages of the anticipatory grieving process.
  b. Identify and describe effective methods for coping with anxiety.
  c. Recognize ways dysfunctional communication is expressed in the family.
  d. Examine previously unexpressed feelings related to the patient's sexuality.

[LP]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
It is important to understand family characteristics, particularly in a family under stress. Expression of feelings is an important aspect of assessment of the family's function (or dysfunction). The distracters relate more to outcome identification and planning interventions, both of which should be delayed until the assessment is complete.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Desired outcomes might be set for the family as a whole or for individuals within the family. The outcome most closely associated with the anxiety that each member is experiencing is to focus on identifying and describing ways of coping with the anxiety. The other options are not appropriate at this time.

[nenivikky]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[bdobbins]

Excellent