An adult seeks counseling after the spouse is murdered. The adult ...

[mp14]

An adult seeks counseling after the spouse is murdered. The adult angrily says, I hate the beast that did this. It has ruined my life. During the trial, I don't know what I'll do if the jury doesn't return a guilty verdict.
 
  What is the nurse's highest priority response?
 
  a. Would you like to talk to a psychiatrist about some medication to help you cope during the trial?
  b. What resources do you need to help you cope with this situation?
  c. Do you have enough support from your family and friends?
  d. Are you having thoughts of hurting yourself or others?

Question 2

A woman says, I can't take it anymore Last year my husband had an affair and now we don't communicate. Three months ago, I found a lump in my breast. Yesterday my daughter said she's quitting college. What is the nurse's priority assessment?
 
  a. Identifying measures useful to help improve the couple's communication
  b. Discussing the patient's feelings about the possibility of having a mastectomy
  c. Determining whether the husband is still engaged in an extramarital affair
  d. Clarifying what the patient means by, I can't take it anymore

[jaymee143]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The highest nursing priority is safety. The nurse should assess suicidal and homicidal potentials. The incorrect options are important but not the highest priority.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
During crisis intervention, the priority concern is patient safety. This question helps assess personal coping skills. The other options are incorrect because the focus of crisis intervention is on the event that occurred immediately before the patient sought help.