Which answer would you pick?

Nursing Students General Students

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We had a test review today and I can't say I still agree with the answer.

The vignette was a 30 yr old woman in for gastric bypass surgery who seems concerned and is asking alot of questions about what will happen before and after - which is the best therapeutic approach to get her to talk?

The only 2 viable answers were:

" Tell me your fears about the surgery"

or

" You seem concerned. Can you tell me about what is worrying you?"

I chose the 2nd one but my prof says it's the 1rst one ( she said key word surgery)....but alas I disagree.

Anyone? I'd just like a rationale....my instructor wouldn't go into depth on this one.

Specializes in NICU.
Poop on that question!

Couldn't have said it better! In my family lingo, that question goes on the poophead list!

Poophead list: the continuously updated and rearranged list of men (and things) what done me wrong. My momma's the keeper of the list.

From Potter, Perry Fundamentals Of Nursing:

Sharing Observations

Nurses make observations by commenting on how the other person looks, sounds, or acts. Stating observations often helps the lient communicate without the need for extensive questioning, focusing, or clarification. This technique can help start a conversation with quiet or withdrown persons. The nurse does not state observations that might embarrass or anger the client, such as telling someone "You look a mess!" Even if such an observation is made with humor, the client can become resentful.

Sharing observations differs from making assumption, which means drawing unwarranted conclusions about the other person without validating them. Makin assumptions puts the client in the position of having to contradict the nurse. Examples might include the nurse interpretting fatigue as depression or assuming that untouched food indicates llack of interest in meeting nutritional goals. Making observations is a gentler and safer technique: "You look tired...," "You seem different today...," "I see you haven't eaten anything."

(Then under the heading of Asking for Explanations)... "You seem upset. What's on your mind?" is more likely to help the anzious client to communicate.

I went through all of this because I would have picked the second choice instantly. Plus the question said she was asking pre0op and post-op questions. Post-op isnt so focused on the surgery, but on what to expect, maybe diet concerns, maybe a friend died from this type of surgery, maybe they dont know how they will be able to get around, what do they do if they have to pee, when can I eat? (of course, lots more) Focusing on the surgery gives the client the expectation that the nurse is only interested in those specific concerns. Poop on that question!

Oh my goodness! i *just* read that section of that book while doing homework, well except ours is called "fundamentals of CANADIAN nursing".. however, i still think number 1 is the correct answer.

Specializes in Public Health, DEI.

'lack of interest in meeting nutritional goals'... what a convoluted way to say someone isn't hungry.

Poop on that question!

The question is perfectly good, the right answer (#2) is quite straightforward (we're reading the rationale right out of your Potter and Perry text), but poop on the instructor's answer. I'm curious what the follow-up explanation would be if the OP goes back and asks her instructor to clarify in more detail.

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