A client with borderline personality disorder is admitted to the psychiatric unit after a suicide attempt. The client frequently expresses feelings of emptiness and fears of abandonment. What is the most therapeutic nursing approach for this client?
- A. Encourage the client to participate in all group activities.
- B. Set clear and consistent boundaries while providing empathy.
- C. Reassure the client that the staff will not abandon them.
- D. Explore the client's past relationships in depth.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most therapeutic nursing approach for a client with borderline personality disorder, who frequently expresses feelings of emptiness and fears of abandonment, is to set clear and consistent boundaries while providing empathy. This approach helps manage the client's fear of abandonment and feelings of emptiness, which are common in borderline personality disorder. Option A may overwhelm the client in a group setting without addressing their specific needs. Option C, while well-intentioned, may not fully address the underlying issues and may create dependency. Option D delves into the client's past relationships, which may be inappropriate and trigger emotional distress in a vulnerable client.
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A client's medication sheet contains a prescription for sertraline (Zoloft). To ensure safe administration of the medication, a nurse would administer the dose:
- A. On an empty stomach
- B. At the same time each evening
- C. Evenly spaced around the clock
- D. As needed when the client complains of depression
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'At the same time each evening.' Sertraline should be administered at the same time each evening to maintain steady drug levels and effectiveness. Choice A is incorrect because sertraline can be taken with or without food. Choice C is incorrect as sertraline does not need to be spaced around the clock. Choice D is incorrect as sertraline is a scheduled medication and should not be taken on an as-needed basis for complaints of depression.
A client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed buspirone (BuSpar). The client asks how long it will take for the medication to start working. What is the nurse's best response?
- A. You should start feeling better within a few days.
- B. It may take 2 to 4 weeks before you notice an improvement.
- C. Buspirone works immediately to reduce anxiety symptoms.
- D. You will need to take this medication for at least a year.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Buspirone typically takes 2 to 4 weeks to become fully effective. It is essential to inform the client that it may take some time before they notice an improvement. Choice A is incorrect because buspirone does not work immediately. Choice C is also incorrect as buspirone does not provide immediate relief. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests a longer duration of treatment than necessary.
A male client with delirium becomes disoriented and confused in his room at night. The best initial nursing intervention is to:
- A. Move the client next to the nurse's station
- B. Use an indirect light source and turn off the television
- C. Keep the television and a soft light on during the night
- D. Play soft music during the night, and maintain a well-lit room
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The best initial nursing intervention for a male client with delirium who becomes disoriented and confused in his room at night is to use an indirect light source and turn off the television. This approach helps to reduce stimulation and confusion, aiding in the client's orientation and comfort. Moving the client next to the nurse's station (Choice A) may not address the root cause of disorientation and could disrupt the client's routine. Keeping the television and a soft light on (Choice C) may further contribute to the client's confusion. Playing soft music and maintaining a well-lit room (Choice D) may not be as effective in reducing stimulation and promoting orientation as using an indirect light source and turning off the television.
Which diet selection by a client who is depressed and taking the MAO inhibitor tranylcypromine sulfate (Parnate) indicates to the nurse that the client understands the dietary restrictions imposed by this medication regimen?
- A. Hamburger, French fries, and chocolate milkshake.
- B. Liver and onions, broccoli, and decaffeinated coffee.
- C. Pepperoni and cheese pizza, tossed salad, and a soft drink.
- D. Roast beef, baked potato with butter, and iced tea.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Roast beef, baked potato with butter, and iced tea are safe choices as they do not contain tyramine, which must be avoided with MAO inhibitors like Parnate. Tyramine-rich foods like aged cheeses, certain meats, and fermented products can cause a hypertensive crisis when combined with MAO inhibitors. Choices A, B, and C contain foods high in tyramine and are not recommended for individuals taking MAO inhibitors.
An adult female client tells the nurse that though she is afraid her abusive boyfriend might one day kill her, she keeps hoping that he will change. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Discuss treatment options for abusive partners.
- B. Explore the client's readiness to discuss the situation.
- C. Determine the frequency and type of client's abuse.
- D. Report the finding to the police department.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Exploring the client's readiness to discuss the situation is the correct first step. It allows the nurse to assess the client's emotional state, willingness to seek help, and readiness to address the abusive relationship. This approach helps build trust and rapport with the client, paving the way for further interventions. Discussing treatment options for abusive partners (Choice A) may be premature and not well-received if the client is not ready to address the situation. Determining the frequency and type of abuse (Choice C) is important but not the immediate priority compared to assessing the client's readiness to talk. Reporting the finding to the police (Choice D) should be done if there is an immediate threat to the client's safety, but exploring the client's readiness to discuss the situation should be the initial step to provide support and intervention.