Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a Native American patient who has traditional beliefs about health and illness. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Avoid asking questions unless the patient initiates the conversation.
• B. Ask the patient whether it is important that cultural healers are contacted.
• C. Explain the usual hospital routines for meal times, care, and family visits.
• D. Obtain further information about the patient's cultural beliefs from a family member.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When caring for a patient with traditional health beliefs, it is essential to respect and address their cultural practices. Asking the patient whether it is important to involve cultural healers, such as a shaman, aligns with providing culturally sensitive care. Avoiding asking questions unless initiated by the patient may hinder effective communication and understanding of the patient's needs. Consulting a family member for cultural beliefs assumes that all family members share the same beliefs, which may not be accurate. Additionally, the patient's personal beliefs should be prioritized over family input. Explaining hospital routines without considering the patient's cultural preferences may lead to a lack of patient-centered care. Therefore, the most appropriate action is to inquire about the patient's preference regarding cultural healers.

2. Which client is most likely to be at risk for spiritual distress?

• A. Roman Catholic woman considering an abortion
• B. Jewish man considering hospice care for his wife
• C. Seventh-Day Adventist who needs a blood transfusion
• D. Muslim man who needs a total knee replacement

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the Roman Catholic woman considering an abortion. In the Roman Catholic faith, abortion is strictly prohibited, so making a decision regarding abortion can bring about spiritual distress. The Jewish faith does not have restrictions on hospice care. It is Jehovah's Witnesses, not Seventh-Day Adventists, who do not accept blood transfusions due to religious beliefs. Additionally, there are no religious prohibitions against joint replacement in the Muslim faith.

3. Which mental health disorder is most likely to be treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

• A. Clinical depression
• B. Substance abuse disorder
• C. Antisocial personality disorder
• D. Psychosis occurring in schizophrenia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is commonly used to treat severe cases of clinical depression in individuals who have not responded well to psychotropic medications or when immediate intervention is necessary due to the severity of the depression. ECT is not typically a first-line treatment for substance abuse disorders, antisocial personality disorder, or psychosis occurring in schizophrenia. Clients with clinical depression who meet specific criteria and have not benefited from other treatments may be considered for ECT to alleviate symptoms and improve overall functioning.

4. An older Asian American patient tells the nurse that she has lived in the United States for 50 years. The patient speaks English and lives in a predominantly Asian neighborhood. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Include a shaman when planning the patient's care
• B. Avoid direct eye contact with the patient during care
• C. Ask the patient about any special cultural beliefs or practices
• D. Involve the patient's oldest son to assist with health care decisions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate action for the nurse in this scenario is to ask the patient about any special cultural beliefs or practices. This allows for a better understanding of the patient's individual cultural background and preferences related to healthcare. It is important to gather this information to provide culturally sensitive care. Choices A, B, and D are not appropriate actions. Including a shaman without the patient's request or consent may not align with the patient's beliefs or practices. Avoiding direct eye contact can be perceived as disrespectful in some cultures but should not be assumed without confirmation from the patient. Involving the patient's oldest son without the patient's consent or preference may not be appropriate and assumes family dynamics that may not be accurate.

5. A client who is to undergo dilation and curettage and conization of the cervix for cancer appears tense and anxious. Which approach would the nurse use to support the client emotionally?

• A. Explaining that these procedures are considered minor surgery
• B. Asking whether something is troubling the client and whether she'd like to talk about it
• C. Stating that the procedures are routine and asking what the client is really worried about
• D. Explaining that everyone is fearful before the surgery even though there is little reason to worry

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct approach for the nurse to support the client emotionally is to ask whether something is troubling the client and if she would like to talk about it. This approach acknowledges the client's anxiety and encourages communication without dismissing her feelings. Option A, explaining that the procedures are minor surgery, may invalidate the client's emotions. Option C assumes the client is worried about something specific, which may not be the case, leading to miscommunication. Option D provides false reassurance and may hinder open communication by dismissing the client's feelings as unwarranted.

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