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A client on an acute mental health unit reports hearing voices that are stating, "kill your doctor"?. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Encourage the client to participate in group therapy on the unit.
- B. Initiate one-to-one observation of the client.
- C. Focus the client on reality.
- D. Notify the provider of the client's statement.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client experiences command hallucinations, such as being told to harm someone, the priority is ensuring the safety of the client and others. Initiating one-to-one observation allows for close monitoring and intervention to prevent harm. Encouraging participation in group therapy may not be appropriate or safe at this time. Focusing the client on reality may not be effective when experiencing hallucinations, and notifying the provider should come after immediate safety measures have been taken.
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A client is diagnosed with schizophrenia. A physician orders haloperidol (Haldol) 50 mg bid, benztropine (Cogentin) 1 mg prn, and zolpidem (Ambien) 10 mg HS. Which client behavior would warrant the nurse to administer benztropine?
- A. Tactile hallucinations
- B. Tardive dyskinesia
- C. Restlessness and muscle rigidity
- D. Reports of hearing disturbing voices
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Benztropine (Cogentin) is an anticholinergic medication used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms, such as restlessness and muscle rigidity, which are common side effects of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol. Tactile hallucinations and reports of hearing disturbing voices are symptoms of schizophrenia that would typically be addressed by the antipsychotic medication (haloperidol) itself. Tardive dyskinesia, a potential side effect of long-term antipsychotic use, would require discontinuation of the antipsychotic medication rather than administration of benztropine.
A client with schizophrenia seems to stop focusing during a conversation with a nurse and begins looking at the ceiling and talking to themselves. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Stop the interview at this point and resume later when the client is better able to concentrate
- B. Ask the client, 'Are you seeing something on the ceiling?'
- C. Tell the client, 'You seem to be looking at something on the ceiling. I see something there, too.'
- D. Continue the interview without commenting on the client's behavior
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client with schizophrenia experiences a break in reality like staring at the ceiling and talking to themselves, the nurse should ask directly about the hallucination, as stated in choice B. By doing so, the nurse can assess the situation, identify the client's needs, and evaluate any potential risk for injury. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Stopping the interview (choice A) may not address the immediate concern of the hallucination. Providing false reassurance (choice C) or ignoring the behavior (choice D) does not actively address the client's altered perception of reality.
Which of the following interventions should be prioritized in the care of the suicidal client?
- A. Remove all potentially harmful items from the client's room
- B. Allow the client to express feelings of hopelessness
- C. Note the client's capabilities to increase self esteem
- D. Set a "no suicide"? contract with the client
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: accessibility of the means of suicide increases the lethality. Allowing a patient to
express feelings and setting a no suicide contract are interventions for suicidal client but
blocking the means of suicide is priority. Increasing self esteem is an intervention for depressed
clients but not specifically for suicide.
The family of a patient who is receiving therapeutic hypothermia states they do not understand why the patient is being kept so cold. What objective information can you provide to help address their concerns?
- A. Let them talk to another patient who has had the same therapy
- B. Provide research-based information about therapeutic hypothermia
- C. Connect them with the nurse manager
- D. Call the physician and ask him to talk to the family
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Providing research-based information about the benefits of therapeutic hypothermia for their loved one will provide evidence that this is an established therapy with generally positive outcomes. Families are certainly not expected to be familiar with critical care interventions, and their concerns should be addressed with evidence-based data whenever possible. Option A is not appropriate as sharing patient information violates privacy laws and does not address the family's concerns directly. Option C may not directly provide the detailed information the family needs to understand therapeutic hypothermia. Option D involves unnecessary escalation by immediately involving the physician, when providing education and information should be the initial step in addressing the family's concerns.
You have noticed that the last several patients you have cared for have had questionable blood pressure readings from their arterial lines. When checked against cuff pressures, a discrepancy has been noted, and further investigation has revealed faulty transducers. This is not the first product issue with this company. What positive step could you take to help resolve this situation?
- A. Use the old stock from a previous company
- B. Verify the cuff pressures every hour to ensure accuracy
- C. Notify the risk manager
- D. Form a peer workgroup to evaluate new products
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Forming a peer workgroup to evaluate new products would be an excellent opportunity for collaboration among peers, management, and the purchasing department. When clinicians are engaged to work toward solutions that address patient care issues, they experience more empowerment and control over their work environments.
Choice A is incorrect because using old stock from a previous company does not address the root cause of the faulty transducers from the current company. Choice B is incorrect as verifying cuff pressures every hour does not directly address the issue of faulty transducers. Choice C is less effective than forming a peer workgroup as it involves only notifying the risk manager without involving a collaborative effort to resolve the product issue.