Exam 21: Crisis and Disaster

A patient comes to the crisis clinic after an unexpected job termination. The patient paces around the room sobbing, cringes when approached, and responds to questions with only shrugs or monosyllables. Choose the nurse's best initial comment to this patient.

At the last contracted visit in the crisis intervention clinic, an adult says, "I've emerged from this a stronger person. You helped me get my life back in balance." The nurse responds, "I think we should have two more sessions to explore why your reactions were so intense." Which analysis applies?

Six months ago, a woman had a prophylactic double mastectomy because of a family history of breast cancer. One week ago, this woman learned her husband was involved in an extramarital affair. The woman tearfully says, "What else can happen?" If the woman's immediate family is unable to provide sufficient support, which of the following should the nurse do?

A patient who is visiting the crisis clinic for the first time asks, "How long will I be coming here?" The nurse's reply should consider that the usual duration of crisis intervention is how long?

A woman said, "I can't take anymore! Last year my husband had an affair, and now we don't communicate. Three months ago, I found a lump in my breast. Yesterday my daughter said she's quitting college." What is the nurse's priority assessment?

A patient being seen in the clinic for superficial cuts on both wrists is pacing and sobbing. After a few minutes, the patient is calmer. The nurse attempts to determine the patient's perception of the precipitating event by saying which of the following?

Which health care worker should be referred for critical incident stress debriefing?

While conducting the initial interview with a patient in crisis, the nurse should do which of the following?

A student falsely accused a college professor of sexual intimidation. The professor tells the nurse, "I cannot teach nor do any research. My mind is totally preoccupied with these false accusations." What is the priority nursing diagnosis?

A nurse assesses a patient in crisis. Select the most appropriate question for the nurse to ask to assess this patient's situational support.

An adult has cared for a debilitated parent for 10 years. The parent's condition recently declined, and the health care provider recommended placement in a nursing home. The adult says, "I've always been able to care for my parents. Nursing home placement goes against everything I believe." Successful resolution of this person's crisis will most closely relate to which of the following?

After celebrating their fortieth birthday, an individual becomes concerned with the loss of their youthful appearance. What type of crisis has occurred?

Which agency plays a major role in mass disaster planning and prevention?

The principle most useful to a nurse planning crisis intervention for any patient is which of the following?

During the initial interview at the crisis centre, a patient says, "I've been served with divorce papers. I'm so upset and anxious that I can't think clearly." Which comment should the nurse use to assess personal coping skills?

An adult seeks counselling after the spouse was murdered. The adult angrily says, "I hate the beast that did this. It has ruined my life. During the trial, I don't know what I'll do if the jury doesn't return a guilty verdict." What is the nurse's highest priority response?

An adult comes to the crisis clinic after termination from a job of 15 years. The patient says, "I don't know what to do. How can I get another job? Who will pay the bills? How will I feed my family?" Which nursing diagnosis applies?

A nurse driving home after work comes upon a serious automobile accident. The driver gets out of the car with no apparent physical injuries. Which assessment findings would the nurse expect from the driver immediately after this event?

Which scenario is an example of an adventitious crisis?

Which are characteristics of a mental health emergency?