During the First Interview with a Parent Whose Child Died

question 16

Multiple Choice

During the first interview with a parent whose child died in a car accident, the nurse feels empathic and reaches out to take the patient's hand. Select the correct analysis of the nurse's behavior.

• A) It shows empathy and compassion. It will encourage the patient to continue to express feelings.
• B) The gesture is premature. The patient's cultural and individual interpretation of touch is unknown.
• C) The patient will perceive the gesture as intrusive and overstepping boundaries.
• D) The action is inappropriate. Patients in a psychiatric setting should not be touched.

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Definitions:

Vasoocclusive Crisis

A painful episode commonly seen in sickle cell anemia, where blood circulation is obstructed by sickled red blood cells, causing tissue ischemia and pain.

Painful Swelling

An enlargement of a body part accompanied by discomfort or pain, often due to inflammation or injury.

Meperidine (Demerol)

A synthetic opioid analgesic drug used to treat moderate-to-severe pain, known for its potential for addiction and side effects.

Sickle Cell Crisis

A painful episode that occurs in people with sickle cell disease when sickle-shaped red blood cells obstruct blood flow to tissues, leading to pain and potential organ damage.