A patient who is homeless has not followed through with getting ...

[plus1]

A patient who is homeless has not followed through with getting an influenza vaccination. What response by the nurse to a student is most appropriate?
 
  a. It's hard to be proactive when you are hungry.
  b. If the patient would just come in, we have the shot.
  c. These patients never follow through on directions.
  d. Too bad we can't take the shot to him where he is.

Question 2

An adult daughter brings a patient to the gerontology clinic and reports that the patient has become increasingly withdrawn and no longer goes out during the day. What response by the nurse is best?
 
  a. Administer a mini mental state exam.
  b. Ask the patient why this is happening.
  c. Assess if the patient feels safe at home.
  d. Determine if abuse is occurring.

[mfedorka]

Answer to Question 1

A
Competing priorities often cause patients to seem uninterested or noncompliant with health recommendations. According to Maslow, basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and safety take priority over other matters. Perhaps it is a good idea to take shots into the community, but that is not the best response by the nurse, as it does not help the student understand the situation. The other two statements are biased and show disregard for the patient's circumstances.

Answer to Question 2

C
Patients often withdraw and become isolated when they do not feel safe in their surroundings. The nurse should first assess the patient's perception of safety. The other options may or may not be necessary, but why questions should be avoided, as they generally place people on the de-fensive.

[plus1]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[matt95]

Excellent