A novice nurse is working with a preceptor on a medical-surgical ...

[audie]

A novice nurse is working with a preceptor on a medical-surgical unit. After assessment of a patient, the novice nurse states to the preceptor, This patient has many odd ideas about several common health practices. He seems like a deviant to me.&quo
 
  What concept will guide the preceptor's response?
  1. A definition of deviance that covers all clinical situations.
  2. The knowledge that beliefs and behaviors are only deviant if the patient thinks there is a problem.
  3. The knowledge that beliefs and behaviors vary according to cultural and social considerations.
  4. The need for further assessment to determine the duration of the beliefs and actions.

Question 2

During the shift report, a nurse describes a patient as crazy. Which approach by the charge nurse would be best?
 
  1. Ask the staff what terminology they wish to use.
  2. Disregard the staff member's comment.
  3. Suggest that staff use the term mentally ill.
  4. Role model using the term nervous breakdown.

[ong527]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 3
Explanation: The appropriateness of beliefs and behaviors are judged according to cultural, social, ethical, and legal rules that define the limits of appropriate behavior and reality. Given the cultural, social, ethical, and legal considerations, there is no definition of deviance that covers all clinical situations. The duration of the beliefs and actions in this situation may be irrelevant. Given the lack of a definitive definition of deviant behavior, the statement that beliefs and behaviors are only deviant if the patient thinks they are a problem is an incorrect statement.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 3
Explanation: The nurse should suggest that staff use the term mentally ill, thus, reinforcing that the patient has an illness. The term nervous breakdown is too general and nonspecific for clinical use. Disregarding the comment or asking staff what terminology to use is not implementing the patient advocate role of the professional nurse.