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A nurse in the emergency department is creating a plan of care for a client experiencing alcohol intoxication. Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to include? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Contact the laboratory to obtain a blood sample.
- B. Prepare the client for a CT scan.
- C. Check the client’s pupil reactivity.
- D. Obtain a urine specimen.
- E. Perform a developmental screening test.
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D
Rationale: The correct interventions for a client experiencing alcohol intoxication are A, B, C, and D. A blood sample is crucial to assess alcohol levels. A CT scan may be needed to rule out head trauma or other underlying issues. Checking pupil reactivity can indicate neurological status. Obtaining a urine specimen helps assess kidney function and possible drug use. Choice E, performing a developmental screening test, is not relevant to the immediate care needs of an individual with alcohol intoxication.
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A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder and was prescribed citalopram 2 weeks ago with a planned dosage increase 1 week ago. The client reports having an improved appetite but still feels very depressed and is still having trouble sleeping. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Speak to the provider about adding an MAOI to the current medication regimen.
- B. Explain that antidepressants often take several weeks to be fully effective.
- C. Tell the client that the provider will need to change citalopram to a different medication.
- D. Recommend a sleep study be done on the client.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Explain that antidepressants often take several weeks to be fully effective. Citalopram, an SSRI, typically takes 2-4 weeks to show significant improvement in depressive symptoms. It is important for the nurse to educate the client about this delayed onset of action to manage expectations and encourage adherence to the medication regimen. Adding an MAOI (A) is not indicated and can lead to dangerous interactions. Changing the medication (C) prematurely may not be necessary before allowing sufficient time for citalopram to work. A sleep study (D) is not warranted at this stage as the primary issue is depression, not solely related to sleep disturbances.
A nurse in a mental health facility is preparing to interview a client who has schizophrenia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Sit on the other side of a table from the client.
- B. Place the client in a chair higher than the nurse.
- C. Start the interview with a question the client can answer with “yes” or "no."
- D. Sit beside the client rather than facing him.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Start the interview with a question the client can answer with “yes” or "no." This approach is recommended for clients with schizophrenia to establish rapport and ease anxiety. It allows the client to engage in a simple way, reducing the pressure of providing complex answers. Sitting on the other side of a table (A) may create a barrier, placing the client in a higher chair (B) may be perceived as intimidating, and sitting beside the client (D) may invade personal space. The other choices do not promote effective communication or rapport-building.
A nurse is performing a mental status examination (MSE) on a client who has a new diagnosis of dementia. Which of the following components should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Grooming
- B. Long-term memory
- C. Support systems
- D. Affect
- E. Presence of pain
Correct Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: The correct choices for the nurse to include in the MSE for a client with dementia are A, B, and D. Grooming is important to assess the client's self-care ability, which can be impacted by dementia. Long-term memory is essential in evaluating cognitive decline typically seen in dementia. Affect assessment helps determine emotional responses and can indicate changes in mood associated with dementia. Support systems (choice C) are not typically part of the MSE but are relevant for treatment planning. Presence of pain (choice E) is important but not a traditional component of a mental status examination.
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Hand tremors
- B. Stuporous level of consciousness
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Hypotension
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hand tremors. During acute alcohol withdrawal, the central nervous system is hyperexcitable due to the sudden absence of alcohol. This can lead to symptoms such as hand tremors, anxiety, agitation, and even seizures. Stuporous level of consciousness (choice B) is not expected in alcohol withdrawal, as clients typically exhibit hyperactivity. Bradycardia (choice C) and hypotension (choice D) are unlikely findings, as alcohol withdrawal commonly causes increased heart rate and blood pressure due to sympathetic nervous system activation.
A nurse on an inpatient mental health unit is admitting a client who has panic-level anxiety. After showing the client to his room, which of the following nursing actions is most therapeutic at this time?
- A. Suggest that the client rest in bed.
- B. Remain with the client for a while.
- C. Medicate the client with a sedative.
- D. Have the client join a therapy group.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Remain with the client for a while. This is the most therapeutic action as it provides immediate support and reassurance to the client experiencing panic-level anxiety. Remaining with the client allows the nurse to offer a calming presence, demonstrate empathy, and help the client feel safe and supported. It also helps to establish a therapeutic relationship and can assist in de-escalating the client's anxiety.
A: Suggesting the client rest in bed may not address the client's immediate emotional needs and could be perceived as dismissive.
C: Medicating the client with a sedative should only be done after a thorough assessment by a healthcare provider and is not the initial therapeutic action.
D: Having the client join a therapy group may be overwhelming for someone experiencing panic-level anxiety and may not be the most appropriate intervention at this time.