A client is agitated and physically aggressive. What action should the RN take first?
- A. Calmly inform the client that they will be placed in seclusion if they do not calm down.
- B. Discuss with the client the reasons for their agitation and aggression.
- C. Tell the client that physical aggression is not acceptable and must stop.
- D. Seek assistance from other staff members and follow the facility's protocol.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In a situation where a client is agitated and physically aggressive, the priority for the RN is to ensure the safety of the client and others. Seeking assistance from other staff members is crucial as it allows for a prompt response to manage the situation effectively and according to the facility's protocol. Choices A, B, and C do not address the immediate need for safety or involve the collaboration of other staff members, which is essential in handling aggressive behaviors in a healthcare setting.
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What intervention is best for the nurse to implement for a male client with schizophrenia who is demonstrating echolalia, which is becoming annoying to other clients on the unit?
- A. Avoid recognizing the behavior.
- B. Isolate the client from other clients.
- C. Administer a PRN sedative.
- D. Escort the client to his room.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Echolalia, the constant repetition of what others are saying, can be disruptive to the therapeutic environment. The most appropriate intervention is to escort the client to his room. This action provides the client with a private space where he can engage in the behavior without disturbing other clients. Avoiding recognition of the behavior (Choice A) may not address the issue and could lead to increased annoyance among other clients. Isolating the client (Choice B) may have negative psychological effects and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary for safety concerns. Administering a PRN sedative (Choice C) should be considered only as a last resort and if other de-escalation techniques have been unsuccessful.
When preparing to administer a domestic violence screening tool to a female client, which statement should the RN provide?
- A. If your partner is abusing you, I need to ask these questions.
- B. State law mandates that I ask if you are a victim of domestic violence.
- C. The healthcare provider needs to know if you are experiencing any domestic abuse.
- D. All clients are screened for domestic abuse because it is common in our society.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because screening all clients for domestic abuse helps normalize the process and reduces the stigma, encouraging honest responses. Choice A is not the best option as it may come off as accusatory and can deter the client from being open. Choice B, mentioning state law, may create fear or pressure, affecting the client's response. Choice C focuses on the healthcare provider's needs rather than emphasizing the client's well-being, which may not facilitate open communication.
A client with schizophrenia is being discharged home after an extended stay in a psychiatric hospital. Which statement by the client indicates that further teaching about medication management is needed?
- A. "I will take my medication only when I feel like it."
- B. "I need to follow up with my psychiatrist regularly."
- C. "I will notify my healthcare provider if I experience side effects."
- D. "I should avoid alcohol while on my medication."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. This statement indicates a lack of understanding about medication management for schizophrenia. Medications for schizophrenia should be taken consistently as prescribed for optimal effectiveness, regardless of how the client feels. Choice B is a correct statement as regular follow-up with a psychiatrist is important for monitoring progress and adjusting treatment. Choice C demonstrates good awareness of potential side effects and the need for communication with healthcare providers. Choice D reflects appropriate knowledge as alcohol can interact with medications and may reduce their effectiveness.
A client with major depressive disorder is prescribed lithium carbonate. Which finding should the RN report to the healthcare provider?
- A. Serum lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L
- B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 16 mg/dL
- C. Serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L
- D. Urine output of 800 mL in 24 hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Elevated BUN levels may indicate renal impairment, which is crucial to report for clients on lithium due to its potential kidney effects. Option A, a serum lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L, is within the therapeutic range for lithium and does not require immediate reporting. Option C, a serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L, is within the normal range and not directly related to lithium therapy. Option D, urine output of 800 mL in 24 hours, may indicate a need for further assessment but is not the most critical finding to report compared to potential renal impairment indicated by an elevated BUN level.
The mental health team is determining treatment options for a male patient who is experiencing psychotic symptoms. Which question(s) should the team answer to determine whether a community outpatient or inpatient setting is most appropriate? Select all that apply.
- A. Is the patient expressing suicidal thoughts?
- B. Does the patient have intact judgment and insight into his situation?
- C. Does the patient have experiences with either community or inpatient mental healthcare facilities?
- D. Does the patient require a therapeutic environment to support the management of psychotic symptoms?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: To determine whether a community outpatient or inpatient setting is most appropriate for a patient experiencing psychotic symptoms, it is crucial to consider if the patient has had experiences with either community or inpatient mental healthcare facilities. This helps in assessing the familiarity and comfort level of the patient in those settings, aiding in decision-making regarding the level of care needed. The other choices, such as assessing suicidal thoughts (choice A), judgment and insight (choice B), and the need for a therapeutic environment (choice D), are important considerations in the overall treatment plan but do not directly address the setting appropriateness between community outpatient or inpatient care.
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