Chapter 5

Mental Health Concepts Case Study

Answers

1. Correct answer: C The priority nursing action is to C) Address Ms. Hernandez’s concerns regarding discharge and her husband’s care. Addressing a client’s immediate concerns is paramount to providing holistic care. While options A, B, and D are relevant to Ms. Hernandez’s care, they are not the priority over addressing the client’s emotional well-being at this time.
2. Correct answer: B The most likely explanation for these findings is B) Stress Response. Ms. Hernandez’s slightly elevated vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, align with her reported stressors regarding discharge and her husband’s care. While A) Pain could contribute, her reported pain level has been well-managed. C) Infection would typically manifest with an elevated temperature and other signs of inflammation. D) Hypoglycemia would present with different symptoms like sweating, tremors, and confusion.
3. Correct answer: A The best intervention to address Ms. Hernandez’s chronic stress related to her caregiver role is to A) Encourage Ms. Hernandez to express her feelings and concerns. Creating a safe space for her to share her stressors and concerns allows for targeted support and intervention. While options B, C, and D might be relevant to her overall care, they don’t directly address the chronic stress related to her caregiver role.
4. Correct answer: C The most helpful resource for Ms. Hernandez at this time would be C) Contact information for the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. This resource can provide her with support groups, educational materials, and connections to respite care options. While the other options offer general information, they don’t provide the immediate support and resources a caregiver like Ms. Hernandez needs.
5. Correct answer: C The best evaluation of the findings is C) Ms. Hernandez’s stress level has decreased, and she is demonstrating improved coping mechanisms.

Please find answers to the Learning Activity interactive elements within the element.