A client tells the nurse that she is possessed by the devil, who ...

[eruditmonkey@yahoo.com]

A client tells the nurse that she is possessed by the devil, who is telling her to harm herself. The best response by the nurse would be:
 
  1. There is no such thing as a devil, but tell me more about what he is telling you to do.
  2. You seem troubled about this. I'm concerned about you. We will keep you safe and give you medication that may help you.
  3. The chaplain will be here soon and can explain about the devil. In the meantime, someone will stay with you.
  4. Thinking this way is part of your illness. You must try to resist the impulse to harm yourself.

Question 2

A new nurse works in a community mental health clinic that provides care for individuals of a minority ethnic population. What action on the nurse's part will promote development of cultural competence?
 
  1. Implementing evidence-based nursing interventions
  2. Becoming proficient in self-defense measures
  3. Exploring values and beliefs of the group
  4. Determining biologic variations and psychologic characteristics

[Anton]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: 2
This option is empathetic and reassuring. It offers concrete help with the troublesome thought the client is having. Option 1 disputes the client's reality. Option 3 implies the nurse is unequipped to deal with the problem. Option 4 offers advice that is inadequate to the situation.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: 3
Cultural competence depends on knowledge of the culture. A nurse who works with individuals from a different culture must find ways to learn about the culture. Options 1, 2, and 4 have no bearing on cultural competence.