A patient diagnosed with AIDS is observed attempting to hide an ...

[RODY.ELKHALIL]

A patient diagnosed with AIDS is observed attempting to hide an article on the subject of lethal injections. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
 
  a. Please let me have the journal. An article like that will only upset you.
  b. I noticed what you are reading. Why are you trying to hide it?
  c. Tell me what you think of the article you were reading.
  d. Isn't that a pretty grim article?

Question 2

The patient's daughter was murdered while they were customers in a local bank. Which statements would support the patient's diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? Select all that apply:
 
  a. I feel numb, like a robot going through the motions of existing.
  b. I'm so nervous and jump at the slightest noise.
  c. I have not slept very well at all since I lost her.
  d. I can't stop reliving the last time I saw her alive.
  e. I'd love nothing better than to kill that murderer.

[thall411]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Suicide thoughts are common in the patient with AIDS. The correct option accepts this fact and indicates the nurse's willingness to listen to the patient's thoughts about the article and his situation. This intervention can address feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness. The remaining options imply the patient was doing something wrong or is passing judgment on the article.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, B, C, D
The traumatic nature of the murder and the patient's symptoms of hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, and numbness indicate PTSD. Homicidal thoughts are not generally associated with PTSD.

[RODY.ELKHALIL]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[at]

Excellent