Deck 25: Communicating Assertively and Responsibly With Distressed Clients and Colleagues

Question 1

The nurse plans to teach colleagues about how to deal with distressed clients.Which statement by a colleague indicates to the nurse that further instruction is needed?

A)"Loss of control is a common cause of stress for clients."
B)"My reaction to a client who is distressed is important."
C)"If my response is therapeutic,distress will be relieved."
D)"Interactions with distressed clients are opportunities to learn."

Answer 1

"If my response is therapeutic,distress will be relieved."

Question 2

A nurse has returned to work after maternity leave and is upset about being assigned to float to another unit.The nurse yells at the charge nurse and says that she is exhausted from lack of sleep and is anxious about leaving her baby in day care.Which assessment of the situation,if made by the charge nurse,is most appropriate?

A)The nurse is experiencing distress about returning to work.
B)The nurse wants other colleagues to feel sorry for her.
C)The nurse does not like to float to other units.
D)The nurse is not able to take direction from others.

Answer 2

The nurse is experiencing distress about returning to work.

Question 3

The nurse cares for a patient who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness.The patient is crying and refuses to eat snacks or meals.Which statement,if made by the nurse,is best?

A)"Most patients feel better if they eat something."
B)"I am sorry you are upset about your diagnosis."
C)"You seem sad;I will stay with you for awhile."
D)"Let me order something special for you to eat today."

Answer 3

"You seem sad;I will stay with you for awhile."

Question 4

A nurse cares for patients in a burn unit.Which statement,if made by the nurse,indicates that shadow grief may be occurring? Select all that apply.

A)"I care about my patients and want to be a good nurse."
B)"I just do not have any get-up-and-go at work anymore."
C)"I use my presence to help patients who are distraught."
D)"I feel so apathetic most days and do not want to do anything fun."
E)"My family gets upset with me because I discuss work too much."

Question 5

A family member is upset about restricted visiting hours for a patient who is critically ill.The nurse plans to speak with the family member.The steps for communicating successfully with a distressed person appear below.Arrange the steps in the correct order of use.

A)Determine an appropriate communication behavior.
B)Communicate in an assertive and responsible manner.
C)Appraise the family member's thoughts,feelings,and requests.
D)Decide on the desired outcome.
E)Review the encounter for effectiveness.