A home health nurse drives up to the house of her client, who has schizophrenia with manic episodes. The client is sitting on his front porch with a shotgun in his arms. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Honk the car horn to get the client's attention.
- B. Calmly speak the client's name out of the car window.
- C. Keep driving in a path that is going away from the client's house.
- D. Stop the car in the client's driveway and call the authorities.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Leaving the situation and seeking help from authorities is the safest course of action.
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A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). He states, "I don't care what the doctors say, there is no way I can have HIV, and I don't need treatment for something I don't have." The nurse identifies that the client is experiencing which of the following types of crisis?
- A. Adventitious
- B. Internal
- C. Maturational
- D. Situational
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Situational crisis. The client's denial of the HIV diagnosis and refusal of treatment indicate an acute crisis triggered by a specific event or situation - the new HIV diagnosis. In a situational crisis, individuals struggle to cope with a sudden and unexpected event, leading to cognitive dissonance and emotional distress. The client's disbelief and avoidance of the reality of the diagnosis demonstrate a maladaptive response to the crisis. Adventitious crisis (A) refers to events like natural disasters, which are not applicable here. Internal crisis (B) involves inner conflicts, not evident in this scenario. Maturational crisis (C) arises from developmental life stages, which is not the case here.
A nurse is caring for a client who is hospitalized and says to the nurse, "My partner called and told me my boss hired someone to take my place." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. "You should call your boss and ask if you can have your job back."
- B. "I don't understand why your partner would upset you with news like that."
- C. "There really isn't much you can do about that until you are discharged."
- D. "You must feel very concerned and disappointed by that information."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Acknowledging the client’s emotions promotes therapeutic communication.
A nurse is caring for a client who requires a crisis intervention for acute anxiety. Which of the following actions is the highest priority?
- A. Protecting the client from injury.
- B. Determining the cause of the client’s anxiety.
- C. Ensuring that the client feels safe.
- D. Identifying the client’s coping skills.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Protecting the client from injury. This is the highest priority because ensuring the client's physical safety takes precedence in a crisis situation. If the client is at risk of harming themselves or others, immediate action must be taken to prevent injury. Determining the cause of anxiety, ensuring the client feels safe, and identifying coping skills are important but secondary priorities once the client's safety is assured. In a crisis situation, physical safety is paramount before addressing underlying causes or providing emotional support.
A nurse observes a client sitting alone in her room crying. As the nurse approaches her, the client states, "I'm feeling sad. I don't want to talk now." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. "It will help you feel better if you talk about it."
- B. "I'll come back when you feel like talking."
- C. "I'll stay with you a few minutes."
- D. "Coming with me to the day room will take your mind off your troubles."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Staying with the client provides support without pressuring them to talk.
A nurse on an inpatient mental health unit is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder and malnutrition. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to improve the client's nutritional status?
- A. Enroll the client in a nutritional class on the unit.
- B. Weigh the client at the same time every morning.
- C. Ask the provider to arrange a consultation with the facility chaplain.
- D. Sit with the client during meals and snacks.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Sit with the client during meals and snacks. This option promotes a therapeutic relationship, encourages the client to eat, and provides emotional support. By sitting with the client, the nurse can monitor food intake, address any eating difficulties, and offer encouragement. This approach helps the client feel supported and valued, which can positively impact their nutritional intake.
Choice A is incorrect as a nutritional class may not address the client's immediate needs. Choice B is incorrect as weighing the client daily does not directly improve their nutritional status. Choice C is incorrect as involving the chaplain may not address the nutritional needs of the client.