In 2 paragraph answer following question of the case study William Tellis, a 45-year-old Caucasian man who resides in an assisted-living facility was diagnosed with AIDS 3-years ago. Mr. Tellis comes to the CHN for his medicine. He mentions that he has developed a cough and is not feeling very well. What questions might the nurse ask to elicit more information from Mr. Tellis? How could the nurse phrase a statement that would show empathy for this patient?
As a highly knowledgeable student in the field of healthcare, I can provide you with an academic analysis of the questions a nurse might ask to elicit more information from Mr. Tellis and how the nurse could show empathy towards him.
When a nurse encounters a patient like Mr. Tellis who has developed a cough and is feeling unwell, it is important to ask specific questions to gather more information about his condition. Some questions the nurse might ask could include:
1. How long have you had this cough?
This question helps determine the duration of the symptom and whether it is an acute or chronic issue. It may also provide insight into potential causes or triggers of the cough.
2. Is the cough productive or dry?
This question helps to determine if Mr. Tellis is coughing up any mucus or phlegm. A productive cough often indicates an underlying respiratory infection, while a dry cough may be caused by irritation or a non-infectious condition.
3. Have you noticed any changes in your cough over time?
This question aims to identify any patterns or changes in the cough, such as worsening or improving symptoms. It can also help the nurse understand if the cough is interfering with Mr. Tellis’ daily activities or sleep.
4. Have you experienced any other symptoms along with the cough?
By asking about associated symptoms, the nurse can gather more information about Mr. Tellis’ overall health. For example, if he reports fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, or weight loss, it may indicate a more serious underlying condition.
5. Have you been exposed to anyone with a respiratory illness recently?
This question helps to assess the likelihood of an infectious cause for the cough. Mr. Tellis’ living situation in an assisted-living facility may increase his risk of exposure to respiratory infections.
To show empathy towards Mr. Tellis, the nurse could phrase a statement using a compassionate and understanding tone. For example:
“I’m sorry to hear that you’re not feeling well, Mr. Tellis. It must be challenging to manage your health while dealing with a cough. Please know that I’m here to listen and support you in any way I can. Let’s work together to understand what might be causing your symptoms so we can find the best approach to help you feel better.”
By acknowledging Mr. Tellis’ current health situation and expressing empathy, the nurse is conveying understanding and creating a supportive environment. This approach can contribute to building a therapeutic relationship with the patient and enhancing communication and mutual trust.