Author Question: A patient nervously says, Financial problems are stressing my marriage. I've heard rumors about ... (Read 53 times)

dmcintosh · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A patient nervously says, Financial problems are stressing my marriage. I've heard rumors about cutbacks at work; I am afraid I might get laid off. The patient's pulse is 112/minute; respirations are 26/minute; and blood pressure is 166/88.

Which nursing intervention will the nurse implement?

a. Advise the patient, Go to sleep 30 to 60 minutes earlier each night to increase rest.
b. Direct the patient in slow and deep breathing via use of a positive, repeated word.
c. Suggest the patient consider that a new job might be better than the present one.
d. Tell the patient, Relax by spending more time playing with your pet.

Question 2

A patient newly diagnosed as HIV-positive seeks the nurse's advice on how to reduce the risk of infections. The patient says, I used to go to church and I was in my best health then. Maybe I should start going to church again.

Which response will the nurse offer?

a. Religion does not usually affect health, but you were younger and stronger then.
b. Contact with supportive people at church might help, but religion itself is not especially helpful.
c. Studies show that spiritual practices can enhance immune system function and coping abilities.
d. Going to church would expose you to many potential infections. Let's think about some other options.

kingdude89 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The patient is responding to stress with increased arousal of the sympathetic nervous system, as evident by elevated vital signs. These will have a negative effect on his health and increase his perception of being anxious and stressed. Stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system will counter the sympathetic nervous system's arousal, normalizing these vital-sign changes and reducing the physiological demands stress is placing on his body. Other options do not address his physiological response pattern as directly or immediately.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Studies have shown a positive correlation between spiritual practices and enhanced immune system function and sense of well-being. The other options wrongly suggest that spiritual practices have little effect on the immune system or reject the patient's preferences regarding health management.