NCLEX PN Exam Cram Related

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A 14-year-old boy has been admitted to a mental health unit for observation and treatment. The boy becomes agitated and starts yelling at nursing staff members. What should the nurse's first response be?

  • A. Create an atmosphere of seclusion for the boy according to procedures.
  • B. Remove other patients from the area for added safety.
  • C. Ask the patient, "What is making you mad?"?
  • D. Ask the patient, "Why are you behaving this way? Have you thought about what may help you calm down?"?
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a situation where a patient is agitated and yelling, the first response should be to create an atmosphere of seclusion for the safety of the patient and others. Seclusion is a standard procedure to help manage aggressive behaviors and prevent harm. Options B, C, and D are not appropriate in this scenario. Removing other patients may not address the immediate safety concern, asking the patient what is making them mad can escalate the situation, and questioning why the patient is behaving that way may not help in managing the current agitation. Therefore, seclusion is the recommended course of action in this scenario to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved.