Question

While making rounds, the nurse finds a client who has received repeated allografts crying. She tells the nurse that she will never be the same because she looks like a "patchwork quilt." The best explanation for the client's comments is that she is: A. anxious about further surgery B. concerned with changes in body image C. unable to cope with a situational crisis D. in need of additional information about other types of grafts

Short answer

Answer: The client is concerned with changes in body image.

Step-by-step solution

Read and Understand the Exercise

Read the question carefully and understand that the client is distressed about the way she looks after receiving many allografts. The exercise gives us four possible reasons for the client's comments. Our goal is to find the best explanation.

Analyze Each Option

Now, let's break down each option and evaluate it based on the given information: A. "anxious about further surgery" - This option is plausible, but the main concern of the client seems to be how she currently looks, not future procedures. B. "concerned with changes in body image" - This option directly addresses the client's comment about the "patchwork quilt" appearance, which seems to indicate a concern about her physical appearance. C. "unable to cope with a situational crisis" - Although the client might be going through a crisis, nothing in the question suggests it's specifically a situational crisis, so this option might not be the best explanation. D. "in need of additional information about other types of grafts" - This option could also potentially be viable, but the main concern of the client seems to be her current appearance, not alternatives for the future.

Choose the Best Explanation

Comparing the four options, we can conclude that option B, "concerned with changes in body image," is the best explanation for the client's comments about her appearance after receiving repeated allografts.

Key concepts

Nursing Care Priorities

When prioritizing nursing care, understanding and addressing patients' immediate concerns is paramount. In the given exercise, the nurse encounters a client distressed about her appearance following multiple allografts, expressing feelings akin to a 'patchwork quilt.' Here, the priority is not simply recognizing the physical implications of the surgery but acknowledging the emotional and mental impact of the patient's altered body image.

This facet of care is deeply rooted in holistic nursing practice, where nurses assess and provide care that encompasses physical, emotional, and psychological health. Priorities involve addressing pain and discomfort, but also emotional distress, self-esteem issues, and potential social isolation. By actively listening and empathetically responding to the client's concerns, the nurse can provide reassurance and support. Interventions may range from providing a supportive presence to referring to counseling services or support groups that help patients with body image disturbances.

Psychosocial Integrity

Psychosocial integrity in nursing involves preserving and enhancing a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The example highlights a client's distress related to her self-perception after surgery, which signals an alteration in psychosocial integrity. Nurses play a crucial role in recognizing and addressing such issues.

Effective communication skills, including active listening and showing empathy, allow nurses to provide psychosocial support. It's important for nurses to validate the patient's feelings and assist them in coping with body image changes, ensuring the care plan includes management strategies for these psychological stressors.

Supportive Measures

These may involve offering patient education on the healing process, connecting clients with counseling services, or recommending support networks where they can share experiences with others facing similar challenges. By tackling these concerns, nurses help preserve the patient's sense of self and well-being during recovery.

Client Education

Client education is an integral part of nursing that enables patients to make informed decisions about their care and manage their health conditions effectively. In the given scenario, once the nurse discerns that the client's distress is rooted in concerns about body image, the next step is to offer educational support.

This involves providing information about healing stages, potential changes in appearance over time, and the availability of cosmetic or reconstructive options, if applicable. Educating the client on how to care for graft sites, what to expect during recovery, and the importance of follow-up appointments is also crucial to promote healing and reduce anxiety.

Resources and Reassurance

Offering resources such as instructional pamphlets, referrals to specialists, and access to community services can empower the client and pave the way for a more positive outlook on her situation. Through education, patients can regain a sense of control, contributing to both physical healing and psychosocial recovery.