The nurse enters a room to find the patient sitting up in bed ...

[robinn137]

The nurse enters a room to find the patient sitting up in bed crying. How would the nurse display a critical thinking attitude in this situation?
 
  a. Tell the patient she'll be back in 30 minutes.
  b. Set a box of tissues at the patient's bedside before leaving the room.
  c. Ask the patient why she is crying.
  d. Limit visitors while the patient is upset.

Question 2

A 62-year-old male patient has had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for many years but has been unable to quit smoking. When approached by the nurse, he states that he would be better off dead.
 
   He states that he has always supported his family, and now the doctor says he can no longer work because of his condition and oxygen dependency. His wife will now have to go to work, and he is sure that she will not make enough money to pay the bills. In preparing the patient for discharge, the nurse should a. Develop a plan of care for the family.
  b. Contact psychiatric services.
  c. Assure the patient that things will work out.
  d. Focus the plan of care on maximizing patient function.

[Galvarado142]

Answer to Question 1

C
The nurse should try to find out why the patient is crying to intervene appropriately. Telling the patient that she will return, providing tissues, and limiting visitors may be appropriate actions but do not address the reason why the patient is crying.

Answer to Question 2

A
Because of the effects of illness, family dynamics often change. The nurse must view the whole family as a patient under stress, planning care to help the family regain its maximal level of functioning and well-being. Psychiatric services may be a part of that plan but do not represent the entire plan. Offering false assurance is never acceptable.

[robinn137]

TYSM

[kjohnson]

Excellent