A client asks the nurse why she must continue taking asthma ...

[skymedlock]

A client asks the nurse why she must continue taking asthma medication even though she has not had an asthma attack in several months. The best response for the nurse to make to this client would be?
 
  1. The medication needs to be taken for at least a year; then, if you have not had an acute attack, you can stop it..
   2. The medication needs to be taken or your lungs will be severely damaged and we will not be able to prevent an acute attack..
   3. The medication needs to be taken indefinitely according to your doctor, so you should discuss this with him..
   4. The medication is still needed to decrease inflammation in your airways and help prevent an attack..

Question 2

In which of the following situations would the nurse employ therapeutic communication of touch?
 
  1. Touch is appropriate when a family member is making inappropriate comments to the nurse.
   2. Touch is never appropriate in the nursing profession.
   3. Touch is appropriate when an upset spouse is alone and the client has just expired.
   4. Touch is appropriate when a young male client asks a young student nurse for a hug.

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Answer to Question 1

4. The medication is still needed to decrease inflammation in your airways and help prevent an attack..

Rationale:
Effective treatment of asthma includes long-term treatment to prevent attacks and decrease inflammation, as well as short-term treatment when an attack occurs. Long-term treatment of asthma continues indefinitely, not for just one year. Telling a client that lungs will be severely damaged is nontherapeutic; the inability to prevent an acute attack in this client is not true. The nurse is able to answer the client's question; it does not need to be referred to the physician.

Answer to Question 2

3. Touch is appropriate when an upset spouse is alone and the client has just expired.

Rationale:
There are situations when appropriate use of touch reinforces caring feelings. However, the nurse must be sensitive to the differences in attitudes and practices of clients and self. Touch is not appropriate when a family member is making inappropriate comments to the nurse or when a client asks a student nurse for a hug.

[skymedlock]

Excellent

[scottmt]

Gracias!