Author Question: An older patient just learning of having a terminal illness begins to cry. Which statement or ... (Read 27 times)

ARLKQ · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

An older patient just learning of having a terminal illness begins to cry. Which statement or question should the nurse make to facilitate the patient's spiritual health?

A) Remember that everything in life, even the bad things, happens for a reason..
B) Is there anything in your spiritual beliefs or practices that might bring you comfort at this time?
C) It's not appropriate for me to pray with you, but would you like me to arrange a visit from the chaplain?
D) It's likely best for you to try to focus on what is going right in your life, even though that's likely hard right now..

Question 2

When a patient has experienced a pneumothorax, chest auscultation reveals

a. equal breath sounds with rhonchi over the affected area.
b. deep slowed respirations with equal chest movement.
c. bilateral unequal breath sounds, with no breath sounds over the affected area.
d. respiratory rate less than 16 breaths per minute.

ergserg · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
Feedback:
Asking the patient how spiritual needs can be supported is a recognized component of spiritual assessment and acknowledges the patient's spiritual needs while still letting the patient direct the process. Making off-hand statements such as things happening for a reason and encouraging the patient to focus on the good things in life would be inappropriate at this time. It is not inappropriate for a nurse to pray with a patient when circumstances allow.

Answer to Question 2

C
Findings on auscultation are bilaterally unequal breath sounds, with no breath sounds over the affected area. A larger pneumothorax causes respiratory distress, including rapid shallow respirations, air hunger, dyspnea, and oxygen desaturation.