A Patient with Severe Burn Injuries Is Irritable, Angry, and Belittles

question 24

Multiple Choice

A patient with severe burn injuries is irritable, angry, and belittles the nurses. As a nurse changes a dressing, the patient screams, "Don't touch me! You are so stupid. You will make it worse!" Which action by the nurse will best help to diffuse the patient's anger?

• A) Stop the dressing change and say, "I will leave the supplies so that you can change your own dressing."
• B) Continue the dressing change and say, "This dressing change is necessary because you were careless with fire."
• C) Discontinue the dressing change, tell the patient, "I will return when you gain control of yourself," and leave the room.
• D) Continue the dressing change and say, "Dressing changes are needed to prevent infection. What are your ideas about how to make it less painful?"

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Definitions:

Stress Response

The body's way of reacting to a challenge or demand, involving various physical and psychological responses.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for physical activity by accelerating the heart rate, constricting blood vessels, and raising blood pressure, among other things.

Oxytocin

A hormone produced in the brain that plays significant roles in childbirth, breastfeeding, and emotional bonding.

General Adaptation Syndrome

A three-stage response (alarm, resistance, exhaustion) that the body goes through when exposed to stress for prolonged periods.