Crisis Interventions in Nursing

Questions and Answers

What diagnosis should the nurse make from the patient's symptoms?

Acute confusion

Ineffective denial (correct)

Impaired social interaction

Disturbed personal identity

What does the nurse reveal about their understanding from the interaction with the patient expressing distress?

The nurse has a good understanding of the effect of time on perception of a crisis.

The nurse has stepped into the territory of traditional psychotherapy.

The nurse is offering a statement of positive outcome based on patient coping ability.

The nurse has not followed up on the patient's verbal clues to suicidal thoughts. (correct)

Which of the following is an example of a maturational crisis?

Having one's only child leave home to attend college (correct)

Experiencing an unplanned pregnancy

Working at a bank that recently was robbed

Losing one's job within months of retiring

Which event leads to the development of a situational crisis in patients?

Loss of a job Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing intervention does the nurse implement while giving primary care to the patient with acute stress?

The nurse teaches relaxation techniques to the patient. Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment question takes priority for the patient in the emergency room after a serious accident?

Have you thought about hurting yourself? Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common coping mechanism a patient adopts during a crisis?

Engaging in other physical activity Signup and view all the answers

Which type of crisis is evident in a man who is having difficulty adjusting to becoming a father?

Maturational Signup and view all the answers

What appropriate action should the nurse take for a patient who recently escaped a relationship marked by repeated domestic violence?

Set realistic goals for the patient. Signup and view all the answers

What appropriate action should the nurse take to help a patient cope with the crisis of sexual assault?

Encourage the patient to express feelings in a nondestructive manner. Signup and view all the answers

What appropriate action will the nurse take to assess the patient's family and stressors after an earthquake?

Ask the patient to describe his or her feelings. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nurse's highest priority response to a parent seeking counseling after the murder of a child?

Are you thinking of killing yourself or others like the person who killed your child? Signup and view all the answers

When a tornado results in significant loss, what type of crisis do town residents likely experience?

Adventitious crisis Signup and view all the answers

Which outcome indicates the individual is demonstrating a commonly observed but negative coping strategy after a crisis event?

Losing one's driver's license for driving drunk Signup and view all the answers

Which examples of adventitious crisis require correction?

Leaving home for the first time Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Crisis Interventions and Patient Responses

Ineffective Denial: Characterized by distressing discussions and dismissive comments; forms of inappropriate affect and delayed care are evident.
Suicidal Thoughts: Nurses must recognize verbal cues pertaining to suicidal thoughts, prioritizing questions about self-harm.
Maturational Crisis: Associated with significant life transitions, such as empty nesting when a child leaves for college.
Situational Crisis: Triggered by external events like loss of a job or natural disasters; arises when personal equilibrium is disrupted.
Adventitious Crisis: Unplanned, accidental events including disasters and crimes of violence create significant disturbances in individuals' lives.

Nursing Care Strategies

Crisis Intervention Levels: Include primary (stress reduction, mental health promotion), secondary (acute crisis management), and tertiary care (support for recovery).
Relaxation Techniques: Primary care interventions may involve teaching these techniques to alleviate acute stress and panic episodes.
Decision-Making Support: Nurses should foster independence in patients from abusive relationships by setting realistic goals and promoting problem-solving skills.
Support Systems: Assessing and guiding patients on maintaining support systems helps reduce feelings of isolation and enhances social skills.

Patient Assessment and Coping Mechanisms

Priority Assessment: For patients in crisis, inquire about suicidal ideation as a primary measure for safety.
Coping Mechanisms: During crises, patients may adopt negative strategies like overeating, avoiding social interaction, or engaging in self-destructive behaviors.
Emotional Response: Assessing feelings can help understand the patient's perception of events, guiding appropriate therapeutic interventions.

Responses to Extreme Situations

Coping with Trauma: Following severe crises, patients are likely to display a range of emotions; supporting coping strategies includes open discussions about feelings in a safe manner.
Safety Considerations: Respondents expressing intense anger or despair should be assessed for suicidal ideation or potential harm to others, prioritizing their safety.
Differentiating Crisis Types: It is crucial to distinguish between situational, maturational, and adventitious crises to tailor appropriate interventions.

Common Errors in Crisis Identification

Misidentifying Crisis Types: Adventitious crises stem from unexpected events. Examples incorrectly classified include the birth of a child (maturational) and death of a loved one (situational).
Negative Coping Strategies: Recognizing maladaptive behaviors is essential, such as excessive weight gain or alcohol abuse, while constructive strategies include exercise and counseling.

Essential Knowledge for Nursing in Crisis

Understanding Patient Responses: Effective crisis management requires understanding how individuals cope and respond to overwhelming situations, ensuring nurses provide appropriate support.
Appropriate Interventions: Encourage expressive coping methods and avoid pushing patients toward decisions regarding actions like filing complaints until they feel ready to engage in these discussions.

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Description

This quiz explores various types of crises that patients may face and how nurses can effectively intervene. It covers concepts such as suicidal thoughts, maturational and situational crises, as well as strategies for crisis intervention and relaxation techniques. Test your knowledge on how to provide appropriate nursing care in times of crisis.