A client who is at risk for suicide following their partner's death is speaking with a nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
- A. "I feel very sorry for the loneliness you must be experiencing."
- B. "Suicide is not the appropriate way to cope with loss."
- C. "Losing someone close to you must be very upsetting."
- D. "I know how difficult it is to lose a loved one."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a client is at risk for suicide, it is crucial for the nurse to acknowledge the emotional impact of losing a loved one without downplaying or judging their feelings. Statement C demonstrates empathy and understanding without making assumptions or providing unsolicited advice, making it the most appropriate response in this situation. Choice A focuses more on the nurse's feelings rather than the client's, which might not effectively address the client's emotional state. Choice B is judgmental and dismissive, which could further isolate the client. Choice D, although empathetic, shifts the focus to the nurse's experience rather than validating the client's feelings.
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In an emergency mental health facility, a nurse is caring for a group of clients. The nurse should identify that which of the following clients requires a temporary emergency admission?
- A. A client with schizophrenia who has delusions of grandeur
- B. A client with manifestations of depression who attempted suicide a year ago
- C. A client with borderline personality disorder who assaulted a homeless man with a metal rod
- D. A client with bipolar disorder who paces quickly around the room while talking to themselves
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. A client with borderline personality disorder who has committed an assault poses a risk to others and themselves, necessitating temporary emergency admission for safety and further assessment. Choices A, B, and D do not indicate an immediate risk to self or others that would require temporary emergency admission.
A client in an acute mental health facility is being discharged and requires supervision due to a severe mental illness. The client's partner works all day but is home by late afternoon. Which of the following strategies should the nurse suggest for follow-up care?
- A. Receiving daily care from a home health aide
- B. Having a weekly visit from a nurse case worker
- C. Attending a partial hospitalization program
- D. Visiting a community mental health center on a daily basis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For clients requiring supervision due to severe mental illness, attending a partial hospitalization program provides structured care and support while allowing the client to return home in the evenings, making it a suitable option for follow-up care. The other choices are less appropriate: A home health aide may not provide the necessary level of care and supervision, a weekly visit from a nurse case worker may not be sufficient for the client's needs, and visiting a community mental health center on a daily basis may not offer the structured support required for someone with a severe mental illness.
A charge nurse is conducting a class on therapeutic communication with a group of newly licensed nurses. Which of the following aspects of communication should the nurse identify as a component of verbal communication?
- A. Personal space
- B. Posture
- C. Eye contact
- D. Intonation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Verbal communication involves the use of words, tone, and pitch to convey messages. Intonation refers to the variation of pitch in speech, which can convey emotions, attitudes, and emphasize certain points. Therefore, intonation is a key component of verbal communication, making it the correct choice in this scenario. Choices A, B, and C are aspects of nonverbal communication. Personal space, posture, and eye contact are important nonverbal cues that contribute to effective communication, but they are not components of verbal communication.
A client is discussing free associations as a therapeutic tool with a nurse. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of this technique?
- A. "I will write down my dreams as soon as I wake up."
- B. "I might begin to associate my therapist with important people in my life."
- C. "I can learn to express myself in a nonaggressive manner."
- D. "I should say the first thing that comes to my mind."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Free association is a psychoanalytic technique where the client is encouraged to say the first thing that comes to their mind without censoring or filtering. This technique helps uncover unconscious thoughts and emotions. Choice D, "I should say the first thing that comes to my mind," indicates an understanding of free association as it aligns with the principle of allowing thoughts to flow freely without inhibition. Choices A, B, and C do not reflect an understanding of free association and its purpose, making them incorrect. A, focusing on writing down dreams, does not relate to the immediate expression of thoughts. B, associating the therapist with important people, and C, learning to express oneself nonaggressively, do not capture the essence of free association as a technique for exploring unconscious processes.
In an outpatient mental health clinic, a nurse is preparing to conduct an initial client interview. Which of the following actions should the nurse identify as a priority?
- A. Coordinate holistic care with social services
- B. Identify the client's perception of their mental health status
- C. Include the client's family in the interview
- D. Educate the client about their current mental health disorder
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During an initial client interview in a mental health clinic, it is essential for the nurse to prioritize identifying the client's perception of their mental health status. Understanding how the client views their mental health can provide valuable insights into their condition, concerns, and needs, facilitating the development of a tailored and effective care plan. Coordinating holistic care with social services, including the client's family in the interview, and educating the client about their current mental health disorder are important aspects of care but may not be the priority during the initial interview, where understanding the client's own perspective is crucial.