A nurse on a mental health unit is caring for clients who have various depressive disorders. The nurse should identify which of the following client diagnoses as presenting the greatest risk for suicide?
- A. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- B. Seasonal affective disorder
- C. Major depressive disorder
- D. Persistent depressive disorder
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Major depressive disorder. Clients with major depressive disorder are at the highest risk for suicide due to the severity of their symptoms, including feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and suicidal ideation. This diagnosis is associated with a higher rate of completed suicides compared to other depressive disorders. Clients with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (A) experience mood changes related to their menstrual cycle but do not typically have an increased risk of suicide. Seasonal affective disorder (B) is characterized by seasonal changes in mood and energy levels but is not typically associated with a high risk of suicide. Persistent depressive disorder (D) involves chronic depressive symptoms but does not necessarily indicate an increased risk of suicide.
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A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and is in the manic phase. The client says he is bored. Which of the following activities is appropriate for the nurse to suggest to this client?
- A. Watching a video with a group in the day room
- B. Walking with the nurse in the courtyard
- C. Participating in a basketball game in the gym
- D. Joining a group discussion about a local election
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Walking with the nurse in the courtyard. During the manic phase, individuals with bipolar disorder may have high energy levels and increased impulsivity. Walking in the courtyard with the nurse provides a safe outlet for physical activity and helps to channel excess energy in a constructive manner. This activity also allows for one-on-one interaction, which can help the client focus and reduce boredom. Other options like watching a video with a group or participating in a basketball game may be too stimulating and could exacerbate manic symptoms. Joining a group discussion about a local election might be overwhelming and less effective in managing the client's energy level and attention.
A nurse is caring for a client who is depressed and refuses to participate in group therapy or perform activities of daily living. Which of the following statements should the nurse make to the client?
- A. "I will assist you in getting out of bed and getting dressed."
- B. "You can remain in bed until you feel well enough to join the group."
- C. "The unit rules state that you may not remain in bed."
- D. "If you don’t participate in your care, you will not get better."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: Choice A is correct because it demonstrates empathy, support, and encouragement. By offering assistance in getting out of bed and getting dressed, the nurse is promoting the client's self-care and well-being. This statement acknowledges the client's feelings while also providing the necessary support to engage in daily activities.
Incorrect Choices:
B: This choice enables the client's avoidance behavior and does not promote active participation in therapy or self-care.
C: This statement is authoritarian and does not address the client's emotional state or needs, which can worsen the client's depression.
D: This statement is negative and may induce guilt or shame in the client, which is counterproductive in supporting their mental health recovery.
A nurse in a long-term care facility is caring for a client who has Alzheimer's disease. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Post a written schedule of daily activities
- B. Use an overhead loudspeaker to announce events
- C. Provide a consistent daily routine
- D. Allow the client to choose free-time activities
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Provide a consistent daily routine. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease benefit from a structured routine as it helps reduce confusion and anxiety. Consistency in daily activities can enhance familiarity and comfort for the client, promoting a sense of security and predictability. This routine can also aid in maintaining the client's cognitive function and overall well-being.
Incorrect choices:
A: Post a written schedule of daily activities - While this may be helpful, a consistent routine is more effective in providing stability for individuals with Alzheimer's.
B: Use an overhead loudspeaker to announce events - Loud noises and sudden announcements can be overwhelming for individuals with Alzheimer's, causing distress.
D: Allow the client to choose free-time activities - While promoting autonomy is important, too many choices can lead to confusion and difficulty in decision-making for individuals with Alzheimer's.
A nurse is caring for a client who attacked one of her friends and is admitted to the psychiatric unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Establish a client relationship.
- B. Explain to the client that the behavior was unacceptable.
- C. Explore the truth of the client’s statements.
- D. Set behavioral limits for the client.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Setting behavioral limits helps establish expectations for the client’s conduct in the unit.
A client who has bipolar disorder approaches the nurse and reveals fresh, self-inflicted, superficial cuts going up and down his right arm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Implement the client's behavioral modification plan.
- B. Document the size and location of the cuts.
- C. Assess the client's intent and suicide risk.
- D. Administer a tetanus antitoxin.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Assess the client's intent and suicide risk. This is the first action the nurse should take to ensure the immediate safety of the client. By assessing the client's intent and suicide risk, the nurse can determine the severity of the situation and the appropriate level of intervention needed. This assessment will guide the nurse in developing a safety plan to prevent further self-harm or potential suicide attempts.
Choice A is incorrect because implementing the client's behavioral modification plan is not the priority when the client is actively engaging in self-harm behavior.
Choice B is incorrect as documenting the size and location of the cuts can be done after ensuring the client's immediate safety.
Choice D is incorrect as administering a tetanus antitoxin is not the priority in this situation and does not address the client's emotional and psychological needs.
In summary, assessing the client's intent and suicide risk is the most critical step to ensure the client's safety and well-being in a situation involving self-h