Support Systems

Following a traumatic motor vehicle collision, a young adult client is recovering from an emergent above-the-knee amputation. The client's spouse visits the surgical unit briefly each evening but remains near the doorway, deliberately avoids looking at the residual limb, and states, "I just cannot handle seeing medical things." The client tearfully tells the nurse, "My spouse is disgusted by me and won't be able to help me at home." Which action should the nurse take first to address this support system concern?

A nurse is caring for a young adult client who was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The client states, "I feel completely overwhelmed and alone with this diagnosis." Which of the following nursing actions are appropriate to help strengthen the client's support systems? Select all that apply.

The nurse is developing a discharge plan for a 7-year-old client with newly diagnosed end-stage renal disease who will require home peritoneal dialysis. The client's parents are divorced, share joint legal and medical custody, and have a known history of severe interpersonal conflict. Which of the following nursing actions are appropriate to establish an effective support system for this client and family? Select all that apply.

A nurse is preparing to discharge an older adult client who recently had a stroke. The client's spouse, who will be the primary caregiver, states, 'I am terrified. I do not know how I will be able to provide care 24 hours a day by myself.' Which response by the nurse best identifies and utilizes an appropriate support system?

A hospice nurse is evaluating the home support system for a client with terminal cancer. The client is alert, oriented, and has explicitly stated a wish to remain at home. The client's spouse is the primary caregiver but suffers from severe rheumatoid arthritis, which causes difficulty opening medication bottles and drawing up oral syringes. The couple's estranged adult child recently moved in to assist, but the spouse refuses to let the child administer liquid morphine, stating, 'I do not trust them with narcotics, so I struggle to do it myself.' The adult child privately reports to the nurse that the spouse often delays the client's scheduled doses by over an hour because of severe hand pain. Which action by the nurse is the priority?

A home health nurse is visiting a client with early-onset Alzheimer's disease who is being cared for at home by their spouse. The spouse appears fatigued, tearful, and states, "I feel completely isolated. My friends have stopped visiting, and I have to do everything myself. I do not know how much longer I can handle this alone." Which of the following is the priority nursing intervention?

A home health nurse is evaluating the support system of a family. A 35-year-old client with advanced multiple sclerosis is completely dependent for activities of daily living. The client's 65-year-old parent is the sole caregiver. During the visit, the parent appears disheveled, exhibits a flat affect, and states, 'I almost gave them a double dose of muscle relaxers last night because I was so exhausted I could not read the label.' The nurse assesses the client and finds them to be physically stable. Which intervention regarding the family's support system is the priority?

A pediatric nurse is caring for a 5-year-old client who was recently diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The client's single parent is visibly overwhelmed and states, 'I do not know how I will manage my full-time job, caring for my 3-year-old at home, and being here at the hospital.' Which of the following nursing interventions are appropriate to assess and strengthen the parent's support systems? Select all that apply.

A community health nurse is establishing a care plan for a family caring for a 10-year-old child with severe autism spectrum disorder and new-onset seizure disorder. The parents report profound exhaustion, social isolation, and escalating conflict with their 14-year-old neurotypical child. Which nursing interventions demonstrate a comprehensive approach to optimizing this family's support system? Select all that apply.

An oncology nurse is evaluating a client newly diagnosed with advanced colon cancer. The client states, "I have not told my partner about the diagnosis yet. They struggle with severe anxiety, and hearing this news will completely overwhelm them. I plan to handle my chemotherapy appointments on my own." Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

A nurse is assessing a 15-year-old client who is 26 weeks pregnant and recently moved into a foster home. The client states, "I don't need anyone's help. I am going to drop out of high school, get my own apartment, and raise this baby completely by myself." Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate to assess the client's support system?

A nurse is preparing for the discharge of a client who has right-sided hemiparesis and expressive aphasia following a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The client's spouse, who is the primary caregiver, works full-time outside the home. Which of the following nursing actions are appropriate to ensure an adequate support system is in place? Select all that apply.

A home health nurse is evaluating the support system of a client with newly diagnosed end-stage heart failure who was recently discharged to live with their adult child. The client requires assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and complex medication management. Which of the following nursing actions are appropriate to promote a safe and effective support system? Select all that apply.

An interdisciplinary care team is planning the transition to home for a 78-year-old client who recently underwent a total hip arthroplasty. The client lives in a multi-level home with a spouse who has moderate Alzheimer's disease. Their extended family lives internationally. Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend to ensure a safe support system? (Select all that apply.)

While preparing a middle-aged client with chronic schizophrenia for discharge from an inpatient psychiatric unit, the client's elderly parent expresses profound exhaustion. The parent tearfully reports being the sole caregiver and expresses an inability to safely manage the client's complex daily medication regimen anymore. Which action should the nurse take to address this family's support needs?