Author Question: A patient is hospitalized for depression and suicidal ideation after their spouse asks for a ... (Read 61 times)

geodog55 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A patient is hospitalized for depression and suicidal ideation after their spouse asks for a divorce. Select the nurse's most caring comment.

a. Let's discuss some means of coping other than suicide when you have these feelings.
b. I understand why you're so depressed. When I got divorced, I was devastated too.
c. You should forget about your marriage and move on with your life.
d. How did you get so depressed that hospitalization was necessary?

Question 2

In the shift-change report, an off-going nurse criticizes a patient who wears heavy makeup. Which comment by the nurse who receives the report best demonstrates advocacy?

a. This is a psychiatric hospital. Craziness is what we are all about.
b. Let's all show acceptance of this patient by wearing lots of makeup too.
c. Your comments are inconsiderate and inappropriate. Keep the report objective.
d. Our patients need our help to learn behaviors that will help them get along in society.

katkat_flores · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The nurse's communication should evidence caring and a commitment to work with the patient. This commitment lets the patient know the nurse will help. Probing and advice are not helpful or therapeutic interventions.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Accepting patients' needs for self-expression and seeking to teach skills that will contribute to their well-being demonstrate respect and are important parts of advocacy. The on-coming nurse needs to take action to ensure that others are not prejudiced against the patient. Humor can be appropriate within the privacy of a shift report but not at the expense of respect for patients. Judging the off-going nurse in a critical way will create conflict. Nurses must show compassion for each other.