Question

A nurse manager notices that a staff member spends minimal time with a patient who is terminally ill with AIDS. The patient says, I'm having intense emotional reactions to this illness. Sometimes I feel angry, but other times I feel afraid or abandoned. The nurse manager can correctly hypothesize that the most likely reason for the staff member's avoidance is:

a. high risk for infection transmission.
b. feelings of inadequacy in dealing with complex emotional needs.
c. knowledge that the patient needs time alone with family and friends.
d. belief that the patient's former lifestyle included high-risk behaviors.

Answer 1

The nurse manager might think the staff member avoids the patient due to feelings of inadequacy in handling their complex emotions, likely stemming from job burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion and cynicism.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse manager can most likely hypothesize that the staff member's avoidance is due to feelings of inadequacy in dealing with the patient's complex emotional needs. This can be seen in the context of job burnout, where healthcare professionals may experience emotional exhaustion and cynicism towards their work, particularly when required to handle intense emotional situations beyond their capacity or training. Such situations are prevalent in demanding healthcare settings, where work overload and the emotional weight of patient concerns, such as dealing with death and terminal illnesses, can lead to depersonalization and a reduction in personal accomplishment.