Answer to Question 1
C
This patient has had emotional upheaval related to a diagnosis of cancer and the loss of both breasts. The most likely cause of her seeming inability to learn is lack of emotional readiness.
The patient may certainly be in denial. This is a very narrow interpretation of lack of emotional readiness, the correct answer. There may be other factors that contribute to lack of emotional readiness besides denial.
Pain should be assessed and treated, but this is not the most likely cause.
The nurse may be pushing the patient through the skills set too quickly, and this should be assessed, but it is not the most likely reason for the difficulty learning.
Answer to Question 2
B
Actively engaging in learning activities through simulations, role-play, or other experiential learning is a more effective way to learn content that requires motor skills.
Some courses that typically have an unpredictable patient census (e.g., Obstetrics) often substitute simulations for clinical days, but it is not the best answer because it does not address learning specifically.
Practicing in a traditional skills lab may be boring, but this is not the best reason.
Staying competitive with other schools may be important, but this is not the best answer.