Author Question: Which of the following is the most valid criterion for determining the status of a patient's anxiety ... (Read 69 times)

hubes95 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

Which of the following is the most valid criterion for determining the status of a patient's anxiety at discharge? The patient:

a. Has a relaxed facial expression
b. Reports that he feels more relaxed today
c. Shows no physiological signs of anxiety (e.g., pallor)
d. Asks no further questions about home care

Question 2

Having someone physically present during times of illness removes the sense of aloneness during the illness.

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

b614102004 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
A criterion is considered valid when it measures what it is intended to measure. Because anxiety is subjective (perceived by the patient), the best measure of anxiety is what the patient says about it. A relaxed facial expression and other physiological signs might or might not show the level of anxiety. Relaxation might occur, for example, because the patient is sleeping or falling asleep. The fact that a patient is not asking questions about his surgery could mean that he has adequate knowledge about the topic; it would not indicate the presence or absence of anxiety. All of the options except what the patient states could be measuring something other than anxiety.

Answer to Question 2

F
The sense of aloneness or isolation reported by seriously ill clients is related in part to their actual physical separation from loved ones during treatments, hospitalizations, or clinic visits. But it also stems from their feeling that there is no one who is really in their world. Having someone physically present does not necessarily remove the sense of aloneness a seriously ill client is experiencing. The statement is false.