Author Question: The nurse is working with a marital couple and is contemplating which strategy to use with this ... (Read 68 times)

silviawilliams41 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

The nurse is working with a marital couple and is contemplating which strategy to use with this couple after the husband reveals to her in a private conversation that he has just learned he has a terminal illness. This couple has no children.

The husband has always worked and taken care of the family finances, including investments, insurance, taxes, and bill paying. The wife has been a traditional homemaker taking care of the home and has not bothered with the finances. The husband says that he does not want to tell his wife about the terminal nature of his illness until closer to the time he is going to die, as he does not want to have her worry for a long time. Which of the following strategies would the nurse include in the initial care plan? a. Propose a meeting with the couple where information about the husband's terminal illness would be discussed.
b. Meet with the wife to plan for several sessions on women's issues and assertiveness training.
c. Meet with the husband, and discuss the need for his wife to understand finances so she can be prepared for the future.
d. Propose a meeting with the extended family to determine who will take care of the wife.

Question 2

Which nursing actions would enhance the development of a therapeutic relationship with a patient diagnosed with a psychophysiological disorder? (Select all that apply.)

a. Assure the patient that the problem is easily treated since it is imagined.
b. Approach the patient with the understanding that the symptoms are real.
c. Encourage the patient to identify triggers that make the symptoms worse.
d. Encourage the patient to identify situations that make the symptoms better.
e. Provide the patient with a list of behaviors that are the focus of the problem.

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

Answer to Question 1

C
The initial care plan should include the nurse meeting with the husband to discuss the need for his wife to understand finances to be prepared for the future. Prior to his illness the husband had the major power in the family and controlled the finances. Now that he is terminally ill, the power must shift. By teaching the wife about the family finances, the husband can empower her to address family issues in the future.

Answer to Question 2

B, C, D
Psychophysiological illness should never be dismissed as imagined or all in one's head.. The patient with the nurse's guidance needs to identify the problematic behaviors. These approaches will cause the patient to withdraw from the nurse and prevent the formation of a therapeutic relationship. The remaining options will assist in the development of a therapeutic relationship.