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A female client with a history of major depressive disorder is experiencing a worsening of symptoms. Which statement by the client indicates a potential risk for suicide?
- A. "I've been feeling more tired than usual."
- B. "I've been thinking about how much better everyone would be without me."
- C. "I've been having trouble sleeping lately."
- D. "I feel like I can't handle everything."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client's statement about thinking that everyone would be better off without her indicates suicidal ideation. This statement is a significant warning sign for suicide risk and requires immediate intervention. Choices A, C, and D reflect common symptoms of depression but do not directly indicate suicidal thoughts or intentions. Feeling tired, having trouble sleeping, and feeling overwhelmed are typical symptoms of major depressive disorder but do not necessarily suggest an imminent risk of suicide like the statement in option B does.
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Carolina is surprised when her patient does not show for a regularly scheduled appointment. When contacted, the patient states, 'I don't need to come see you anymore. I have found a therapy app on my phone that I love.' How should Carolina respond to this news?
- A. That sounds exciting, would you be willing to visit and show me the app?
- B. At this time, there is no real evidence that the app can replace our therapy.
- C. I am not sure that is a good idea right now; we are so close to progress.
- D. Why would you think that is a better option than meeting with me?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Carolina should respond with choice A as it shows interest and willingness to understand the patient's new approach. By asking the patient to show the app, Carolina demonstrates openness to exploring the patient's perspective and the technology they find helpful. Choice B is incorrect as it appears dismissive, failing to acknowledge the patient's autonomy in choosing an alternative therapy method. Choice C is also inappropriate as it undermines the patient's decision-making and progress achieved so far. Choice D comes off as confrontational and judgmental, which could lead to the patient feeling defensive and less likely to engage in a constructive conversation.
The nurse is developing unit policies that will include nursing guidelines for maintaining a therapeutic milieu. Which interventions should be included when providing a therapeutic milieu in an inpatient setting?
- A. Opportunities to contribute to one's treatment plan.
- B. One-on-one dialogue sessions with the therapist.
- C. Regularly scheduled unit activities for peer interaction.
- D. Home visits to reintegrate into the family.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse is responsible for maintaining a therapeutic milieu in an inpatient setting, which involves creating a secure and structured environment that promotes client safety and offers opportunities for clients to learn healthy coping skills. Regularly scheduled unit activities for peer interaction help foster socialization, support, and a sense of community among clients. Choices A and B are valuable interventions in mental health care but do not directly relate to creating a therapeutic milieu in an inpatient setting. Choice D, home visits, would typically occur post-discharge and focus on community reintegration, rather than maintaining a therapeutic milieu within the inpatient setting.
April, a 10-year-old admitted to inpatient pediatric care, has been getting more and more wound up and is losing self-control in the day room. Time-out does not appear to be an effective tool for April to engage in self-reflection. April's mother admits to putting her in time-out up to 20 times a day. The nurse recognizes that:
- A. Time-out is an important part of April's baseline discipline.
- B. Time-out is no longer an effective therapeutic measure.
- C. April enjoys time-out and acts out to get some alone time.
- D. Time-out will need to be replaced with seclusion and restraint.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Time-out is no longer an effective therapeutic measure.' In this scenario, the excessive use of time-out, up to 20 times a day, indicates that it is no longer effective in helping April self-reflect and control her behavior. Constant use of time-out without achieving the desired outcome suggests the need for alternative therapeutic interventions. Choice A is incorrect because the situation described indicates that time-out is not serving its intended purpose. Choice C is also incorrect as the behavior is not driven by a desire for alone time. Choice D is incorrect and inappropriate as seclusion and restraint should only be considered as a last resort and are not indicated based on the information provided.
A female client on a psychiatric unit is sweating profusely while vigorously doing push-ups and then running the length of the corridor several times before crashing into furniture in the sitting room. Picking herself up, she begins to toss chairs aside, looking for a red one to sit in. When another client objects to the disturbance, the client shouts, "I am the boss here. I do what I want." Which nursing problem best supports these observations?
- A. Deficient diversional activity related to excess energy level.
- B. Disturbed personal identity related to grandiosity.
- C. Risk for activity intolerance related to hyperactivity.
- D. Risk for other-directed violence related to disruptive behaviors.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The client's behavior of engaging in disruptive and aggressive actions, as well as claiming authority over others in the setting, indicates a risk for other-directed violence. This behavior poses a potential threat to the safety of others in the environment. Choice A is incorrect as the client's behavior is not solely indicative of a lack of diversional activities but rather a more serious issue. Choice B is incorrect as the behavior described does not primarily reflect disturbances in personal identity but rather displays of power and aggression. Choice C is incorrect as the client's actions do not suggest an intolerance to activity but rather an excessive and potentially harmful level of hyperactivity.
Which therapeutic communication statement might a psychiatric-mental health registered nurse use when a patient's nursing diagnosis is altered thought processes?
- A. I know you say you hear voices, but I cannot hear them.
- B. Stop listening to the voices, they are NOT real.
- C. You say you hear voices, what are they telling you?
- D. Please tell the voices to leave you alone for now.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer because it acknowledges the patient's experience of hearing voices, showing empathy and exploring the content of the hallucinations. This type of therapeutic communication encourages the patient to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they either deny the patient's experience, dismiss the hallucinations as not real, or suggest eliminating them, which can be perceived as invalidating the patient's feelings and experiences.