A 90-year-old patient constantly tells the nurse stories about ...

[wenmo]

A 90-year-old patient constantly tells the nurse stories about life many years ago. The nurse encourages this behavior because reminiscence or life review is:
 
  a. a technique that prepares the individual for the end of life.
  b. a review of dispelling past experiences as meaningless.
  c. helpful although it is unnatural in the older adult.
  d. a way for the elderly to realize that conflicts cannot be reconciled.

Question 2

A nurse is preparing to take a 5-year-old child's blood pressure. What is the best way for the nurse to reduce the child's anxiety about this procedure?
 
  a. Do nothing because the more fuss that is made about a procedure, the more anxiety it causes the patient.
  b. Explain to the patient that the blood pressure is a vital sign that the doctor has ordered.
  c. Tell the child that the blood pressure cuff will hug the arm.
  d. Ask the child's mother to step outside the room because children frequently do better when alone.

[Liddy]

Answer to Question 1

A
Reminiscence, or life review, is a technique that facilitates the individual's preparation for the end of life. It is an adaptive function of older adults that allows them to recall the past for the purpose of assigning new meaning to past experiences. Reminiscence is the natural way older adults revive their past in an attempt to establish order and meaning and to reconcile conflicts and disappointments as they prepare for death.

Answer to Question 2

C
Describe physical sensations that will occur during the procedure by telling the child that the cuff will hug the arm. Providing information about procedures helps patients feel less anxious because they understand what to expect during the procedure. When preparatory instructions accurately describe the actual experience, the patient is able to cope more effectively with the stress from procedures and therapies. Doing nothing does not prepare the patient properly or address the anxiety. A 5 year old will not understand the term vital signs. Involve the parents with young children.

[wenmo]

Excellent

[bimper21]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it