Question

The patient is having a difficult time dealing with an AIDS diagnosis. The patient states, It's not fair. I'm totally isolated from God and my family because of this. Even my father hates me for this. He won't even speak to me. What should the nurse do?

a. Tell the patient to move on and focus on getting better.
b. Use therapeutic communication to establish trust and caring.
c. Assure the patient that the father will accept this situation soon.
d. Point out that the patient has no control and that he or she must face the consequences.

Answer 1

The nurse should use therapeutic communication to establish trust and care with the AIDS patient, avoiding promises or telling the patient how to feel. This approach addresses the historical stigma and misinformation surrounding AIDS, including the notion of it being divine retribution, by offering support and factual information. The correct answer is options B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best course of action for the nurse to take when a patient is having a difficult time dealing with an AIDS diagnosis is option b. Use therapeutic communication to establish trust and caring. This approach builds a supportive relationship, helping the patient to feel understood and less isolated. Promises about how others, such as the patient's father, will react should be avoided, as the nurse cannot control or ensure these outcomes.

The misinformation and stigma historically associated with AIDS have, in many cases, exacerbated the emotional challenges for patients. Statements from influential figures characterizing AIDS as a form of divine retribution further fueled feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation. However, essential support includes countering these perspectives, providing accurate information that AIDS cannot be spread through casual contact, and advocating for patients' rights in the face of discrimination.