A patient has had emphysema (lung disease) for many years. When ...

[LCritchfi]

A patient has had emphysema (lung disease) for many years. When approached by the nurse, the patient states I would be better off dead.
 
  The patient supports the family, and now because of oxygen dependency the patient must quit work. The patient's spouse will have to go to work. Which action should the nurse take?
  a. Develop a plan of care for the family.
  b. Contact psychiatric services for a referral.
  c. Assure the patient that things will work out.
  d. Focus the plan of care solely on maximizing patient function.

Question 2

Which areas should the nurse assess to determine the effects of external variables on a patient's illness? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Patient's perception of the illness
  b. Patient's coping skills
  c. Socioeconomic status
  d. Cultural background
  e. Social support

[wfdfwc23]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Because of the effects of chronic illness, family dynamics often change. The nurse must view the whole family as a patient under stress, planning care to help the family regain its maximal level of functioning and well-being. Psychiatric services may be a part of that plan but do not represent the entire plan. Offering false assurance is never acceptable. Focusing only on the patient will not help the family adjust.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C, D, E
External variables influencing a patient's illness behavior include the visibility of symptoms, social group, cultural background, economic variables, accessibility of the health care system, and social support. Internal variables include the patient's perceptions of symptoms and the nature of the illness, as well as the patient's coping skills and locus of control.

[LCritchfi]

Excellent

[jackie]

Gracias!