Question

A patient reports that her husband is taking a new job in another city. She feels stress about the move and does not want to go. Which action by the nurse would be best?

a) Assess the patient's and family's coping mechanisms is handling stress
b) Tell the patient that all families cope with new situations like these from time to time
c) Encourage the patient to re-frame her thinking about the move
d) Talk to the husband to get his perspective on the move

Answer 1

The best action for a nurse is to assess the patient's and family's coping mechanisms, as it adheres to Lazarus and Folkman's (1984) evidence-based coping strategies suitable for managing stress related to life changes such as moving to another city.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best action a nurse can take when a patient is experiencing stress about a significant life event such as moving to another city is a) Assess the patient's and family's coping mechanisms in handling stress. According to Lazarus and Folkman (1984), there are two fundamental kinds of coping: problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping. Problem-focused coping involves managing or altering the problem that is causing stress by identifying the problem, considering possible solutions, and taking proactive steps to address the stressor.

Encouraging the patient to evaluate and potentially enhance their coping strategies can provide them with the necessary tools to manage their stress more effectively. This assessment allows the nurse to tailor interventions specific to the patient's needs and promotes patient empowerment in dealing with the stressor. It is also in alignment with studies that highlight the importance of coping skills in mitigating stress's negative effects on health.