A Patient in a Dimly Lit Room Demonstrates Fluctuating Levels

question 22

Multiple Choice

A patient in a dimly lit room demonstrates fluctuating levels of consciousness,disturbed orientation,and perceptual alterations and begs the nurse to get the bugs off her.Which nursing response would be most therapeutic?

• A) "There are no bugs on your legs.Your imagination is playing tricks on you."
• B) "Try to relax.The crawling sensation will go away sooner if you can relax."
• C) "Don't worry,I will have someone stay here and brush away the bugs for you."
• D) "I don't see bugs,but I'll stay with you and brighten the lights so we can be sure."

---

Definitions:

Overt Aggression

Direct and openly hostile behavior towards others, which can be physical or verbal and is intended to dominate or control.

Hostile Attribution Bias

The tendency to interpret others' behaviors or ambiguous situations as having hostile intent.

Defense Mechanism

Coping techniques that reduce anxiety arising from unacceptable or potentially harmful impulses.

Desire to Harm

An inclination or intention to cause pain, injury, or damage to another individual or entity.