A Patient Is Being Evaluated for a Possible Spinal Cord

question 19

Multiple Choice

A patient is being evaluated for a possible spinal cord tumor. Which finding by the nurse requires the most immediate action?

• A)The patient has new-onset weakness of both legs.
• B)The patient complains of chronic severe back pain.
• C)The patient starts to cry and says, "I feel hopeless."
• D)The patient expresses anxiety about having surgery.

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Definitions:

Self-Actualization

The realization or fulfillment of one's talents and potentialities, often considered as the highest need in Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Psychological Disorders

Mental processes and/or behavior patterns that cause emotional distress and/or substantial impairment in functioning.

Natural Tendency

An innate or inherent inclination or predisposition towards a particular behavior, action, or thought pattern.

Person-Centered Therapy

A nondirective, humanistic therapy developed by Carl Rogers, in which the therapist creates an accepting climate and shows empathy, freeing clients to be themselves and releasing their natural tendency toward self-actualization.