During the shift report, a nurse describes a client as crazy. ...

[kwoodring]

During the shift report, a nurse describes a client as crazy. Which approach by the nurse would be best?
 
  1. Ask the staff what terminology they wish to use.
  2. Say nothing.
  3. Suggest that staff use the term mentally ill.
  4. Role model using the term nervous breakdown.

Question 2

A 63-year-old man has presented for angioplasty to the outpatient cardiac catheterization laboratory.
 
  The nurse's observation of the client and his statements reveal that he is intensely anxious about his impending medical procedure. Which of the following statements should guide the nurse's response to this client's anxiety?
  A) The nurse should avoid acknowledging the client's anxiety until a medical cause can be ruled out
  B) The nurse should administer a beta-adrenergic blocker to slow the client's heart rate and alleviate his anxiety
  C) The nurse should address the client's anxiety in a similar manner to any other client who has anxiety
  D) The nurse should teach the client why he is currently feeling anxious

[olderstudent]

Answer to Question 1

3
Rationale: The nurse should suggest that staff use the term mentally ill, thus, reinforcing that the client has an illness. The term nervous breakdown is too general and nonspecific for clinical usage. Saying nothing or asking staff what terminology to use is not implementing the clientadvocate role of the professional nurse.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: C
Feedback:
A nurse should address and approach a client's anxiety in a similar manner, regardless of whether the client's anxiety is attributable to a medical condition. It is presumptuous to assume that a client can be taught why he or she is experiencing anxiety. It would be inappropriate to administer a beta-blocker for anxiety to a client who is scheduled for a cardiac procedure.