During the assessment of a client with an anxiety disorder, the ...

[sam.t96]

During the assessment of a client with an anxiety disorder, the client becomes very anxious. The nurse should:
 
  1. Suspend data gathering and wait until the next day to resume the assessment.
  2. Suspend data gathering and take action to reduce anxiety.
  3. Continue data gathering and ask what the precipitating factor for the anxiety is.
  4. Continue data gathering and ask clarifying questions.

Question 2

A child with asthma was admitted to the hospital during an attack. The mother says, This is all my fault, if only I hadn't smoked when I was pregnant. Which response would be helpful to the mother?
 
  1. Tell her not to worry because her smoking did not cause the child's asthma.
  2. Explain that asthma involves a host of biological factors, of which heredity plays a large role.
  3. Tell the mother that she should feel guilty, and find out if she's still smoking.
  4. Ask why she believes that she caused the child's admission.

[deja]

Answer to Question 1

2
Rationale: As anxiety increases, the perceptual field for a client decreases. The nurse should suspend data gathering and take action to reduce anxiety. Suspending data gathering until the next day is incorrect because the nurse needs to gather the assessment information as soon as possible. Continuing to gather data and asking for clarification, or asking about the precipitating factor for the anxiety, may not result in accurate information because the client may not be able to focus on the questions or answers.

Answer to Question 2

2
Rationale: Explaining that asthma is caused by many factors provides information that may allow the mother to relinquish some of her feelings of guilt. Telling the mother she did not cause the asthma is false reassurance. Asking the mother for a justification of her feelings is not helpful to her. Telling the mother she should feel guilty is blaming and shaming.

[sam.t96]

TYSM

[Sarahjh]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it