Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

When a patient is setting unrealistic goals about walking, what is the best intervention?

1. Make the decisions for him and then inform him of the results

2. Use a direct approach to help him understand his limitations

3. Encourage him to focus on his current needs

4. Provide concrete information to demonstrate unrealistic expectations

The correct answer is: Use a direct approach to help him understand his limitations

Using a direct approach to help the patient understand his limitations is the most effective intervention in this scenario. This method fosters an open dialogue where the patient can engage in meaningful reflection about their capabilities and rehabilitation process. It allows for a clearer understanding of both the physical constraints and potential improvements. Such direct communication helps the patient set more achievable and realistic goals, which can enhance motivation and compliance with the rehabilitation program. This approach not only promotes patient autonomy by enabling them to make informed decisions regarding their rehabilitation journey, but also aligns expectations with actual performance. It encourages self-awareness, which is crucial for a successful rehabilitation experience, ultimately leading to better outcomes. Other approaches might not effectively address the patient’s unrealistic thinking. For instance, making decisions for the patient could diminish their sense of ownership in the rehabilitation process, while encouraging them to focus solely on current needs may overlook future goals that can be realistically achieved. Providing concrete information might help, but it lacks the personal engagement and understanding that come with direct communication and may not facilitate the necessary behavior change or mindset shift.