Author Question: The psychiatric-mental health nurse is caring for a patient with mental illness. What action by the ... (Read 79 times)

karateprodigy · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

The psychiatric-mental health nurse is caring for a patient with mental illness. What action by the nurse best exemplifies authenticity?

1. Sitting quietly with patient.
2. Showing empathy toward the patient.
3. Showing sympathy toward the patient.
4. Sharing personal information with the patient.

Question 2

The nurse is planning care for a patient admitted for depression. The patient has severe cerebral palsy, communicates only with a computer, and is quadriplegic. Which statement best demonstrates that the nurse has engaged in self-reflection

prior to caring for this patient?
1. It is important to interview the patient's family before I meet the patient.
2. The first thing I will do is thoroughly assess the patient's needs and abilities.
3. I will need to be aware of my feelings and any potential fears related to caring for this patient.
4. I will read the patient's health record and talk with the health care provider to understand the patient's disabilities.

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

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 2
Explanation: The nurse's authenticity is reflected in how the nurse directs energy toward getting to know the patient as the patient is, in the patient's world. Thus, the best example of authenticity is showing empathy towards the patient. Empathy is the ability to feel for others, whereas sympathy is feeling pity toward others. Sitting quietly with the patient is displaying the therapeutic communication technique of silence. Sharing personal information with the patient is not therapeutic and does not exemplify authenticity.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 3
Explanation: The nurse must be aware of his or her feelings when caring for this patient. The nurse recognizes that before meeting any patient, it is important to recognize one's feelings and clarify beliefs and attitudes, especially when receiving medical information that might be unusual or even frightening. Assessing the patient's needs and abilities and interviewing the family may be helpful in caring for this patient, but these actions will not necessarily enhance the nurse's self-awareness. Reading the record and talking with the health care provider suggests that the nurse has difficulty confronting feelings and will rely on others for guidance.