Question 1

The nurse is caring for a patient who repeatedly talks about the role of religion in curing depression. Which approach best demonstrates the nurse's acceptance of the patient?

Accepted Answer

2. Listening to the patient in a supportive manner demonstrates that the nurse is refraining from judging the patient's position and is willing to listen in order to understand the patient's views. Ignoring the patient's viewpoint conveys rejection of the patient. Encouraging the patient to consider other factors disregards the patient's communication. Sharing opinions is not a therapeutic use of self.

Question 2

The nurse is applying the concept of mindfulness to support the use of self when caring for patients with mental illness. Which statements reflect an accurate understanding of this concept? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

2. Mindfulness is a form of self-awareness, not self-esteem, which may be described as a state of being in the present moment and accepting things for what they are without judgment. The "mindful" state is one in which the individual is aware in the current moment but not reacting automatically.
3. Mindfulness is a form of self-awareness, not self-esteem, which may be described as a state of being in the present moment and accepting things for what they are without judgment. The "mindful" state is one in which the individual is aware in the current moment but not reacting automatically.
5. Mindfulness is a form of self-awareness, not self-esteem, which may be described as a state of being in the present moment and accepting things for what they are without judgment. The "mindful" state is one in which the individual is aware in the current moment but not reacting automatically.

Question 3

The nurse is caring for a patient who has painful memories of a previous sexual assault. How will the nurse best display the therapeutic use of self when caring for this patient?

Accepted Answer

2. The best way that the nurse will display the therapeutic use of self when caring for a patient with painful memories is to engage in a caring conversation with the patient. This allows the nurse to provide the patient with a sense of empathy, or feeling for others. This may help the patient connect and provide time and space for the patient to tell his or her story. Providing the patient with personal information or information on therapy choices does not exemplify the therapeutic use of self when caring for this patient. Encouraging the patient to confront his or her feelings does not recognize the need to respect the patient's role in directing the healing process.

Question 4

Which nursing intervention best demonstrates the nurse's mindfulness to the patient with depression?

Accepted Answer

2. Mindfulness is a form of self-awareness that may be described as being "in the moment." Focusing on the patient's immediate needs best demonstrates mindfulness. Describing medication effects demonstrates respect for the patient, not mindfulness. Caring for the patient with an honest and nonjudgmental attitude best demonstrates authenticity, not mindfulness. Telling the patient that time heals invalidates the patient's experience.

Question 5

Which statement best reflects the nurse's therapeutic use of self with a patient who is refusing to take his or her ordered medications?

Accepted Answer

1. Nurses who engage in self-reflection and self-awareness are able to maintain a therapeutic focus on the patient. Asking the patient to clarify concerns about medications shows that the nurse recognizes the patient's goals may be different from the nurse's. Telling the patient that refusing medications will result in getting ill or prevent discharge conveys that the nurse is threatened by the patient's assertiveness and has lost focus on the patient. Suggesting that the nurse cannot help the patient unless the patient takes the medication indicates the nurse is focused on the nurse more than the patient and may also constitute an implied threat that the nurse will refuse care to the patient.

Question 6

The nurse is caring for a patient with mental illness. The nurse quickly reviews the neurobiology of the patient's mental disorder with the patient. Which is most likely compromised by the nurse's action?

Accepted Answer

4. When the nurse is hurried or rushed, he or she is most likely to compromise the use of self, which requires time and reflection. While rushed or hurried, the nurse may still display mindfulness, sympathy, and empathy.

Question 7

The staff nurse is teaching a group of nurses about strategies that support the nurse's use of self, specifically when caring for a patient who is suffering. What strategy is the primary way in which the nurse provides a response to patient suffering?

Accepted Answer

1. The primary way that the nurse provides a response to suffering is by providing presence. The nurse's ability to convey the message of mindful presence, willingness to go where the patient leads (rather than leading), and ability to convey courage may provide the patient with a message that his or her experience of suffering can be safely shared. Mindfulness, empathy, and sympathy are not the primary ways the nurse can provide a response to patient suffering.

Question 8

A patient approaches the nurse grimacing, talking in a whisper, and waving his arms. Which response by the nurse will be most helpful in promoting a therapeutic relationship with the patient?

Accepted Answer

1. Greeting the patient by name conveys that the nurse accepts the patient's uniqueness without pre-judging the patient's behavior. Ignoring the patient is disrespectful and communicates indifference. Assisting the patient to leave is not therapeutic and demonstrates that the nurse is uncomfortable facing behavior that is outside the social norm. Confronting the patient indicates that the nurse has preconceived ideas of what is normal behavior for the patient.

Quiz 7: Self-Reflection and Self-Awareness