A patient is admitted into the ICU with the diagnosis of gunshot ...

[cartlidgeashley]

A patient is admitted into the ICU with the diagnosis of gunshot wound to the head, suicide attempt. While the patient is in the ICU the nurse's interventions should include
 
  a. limiting interaction with the patient due to antisocial behaviors exhibited by the suicidal attempt.
  b. ignoring the patient's need to talk about the incident.
  c. validating the patient's worth and self-esteem.
  d. discontinuing any psychotropic medications.

Question 2

An adult patient sustains third- and fourth-degree burns to more than 70 of her body related to a house fire
 
  The patient begins a pattern of behavior similar to that of a young child, in which she repeatedly whines and throws temper tantrums in an attempt to keep her nurse at the bedside. The patient's coping mechanism is consistent with
 
  a. regression.
  b. identity disturbance.
  c. denial.
  d. trust.

[mmj22343]

Answer to Question 1

C
While the patient is in the unit, primary nursing interventions include validating the patient's worth and self-esteem and helping him or her regulate emotional states and behaviors. Patients who have attempted suicide are often stigmatized, and caregivers can resent caring for a person whose critical condition is self-inflicted. A suicide attempt indicates, however, that the patient was experiencing personal and spiritual distress to the point of wanting to end his or her life. The critical care team should make every effort to continue medications for mental health conditions during the critical care stay unless medically contraindicated. If the patient is unable to take oral medications, the team should attempt to find an alternative route if possible.

Answer to Question 2

A
Regression is a normal reaction to severe burns. The person may become childlike in interactions with staff. Behaviors such as whining, clinging to staff, and attempting to keep the nurse at the bedside constantly are not uncommon. A personal identity disturbance, as a type of altered self-concept, is defined as an inability of a person to differentiate the self as a unique and separate human being from others within a social environment.