1. A nurse is caring for a patient who has chronic pain and

anxiety. The nurse decides to teach the patient some

mindfulness meditation techniques to help him cope with

his condition. Which of the following statements best

describes the rationale for this intervention?

a) Mindfulness meditation helps the patient distract himself

from his pain and worries by focusing on something else.

b) Mindfulness meditation helps the patient accept his pain

and worries without judging them or trying to change them.

c) Mindfulness meditation helps the patient reduce his pain

and worries by altering his brain chemistry and physiology.

d) Mindfulness meditation helps the patient ignore his pain

and worries by suppressing his emotions and sensations.

*Answer: b) Mindfulness meditation helps the patient

accept his pain and worries without judging them or trying

to change them.*

Rationale: Mindfulness meditation is a practice of paying

attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity

and compassion. It does not aim to distract, reduce or

ignore pain and worries, but rather to acknowledge them as

they are and relate to them in a more skillful way.

2. A nurse is practicing mindfulness meditation as a way of

enhancing her well-being and reducing stress. She notices

that during her meditation sessions, she often gets

distracted by thoughts about her work, family or personal

issues. How should she respond to these distractions?

a) She should try to stop these thoughts from arising or get

rid of them as soon as possible.