A male client is admitted to the psychiatric unit for recurrent negative symptoms of chronic schizophrenia and medication adjustment of risperidone (Risperdal). When the client walks to the nurse's station in a literally contracted position, he states that something has made his body contort into a monster. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Medicate the client with the prescribed antipsychotic thioridazine (Mellaril).
- B. Offer the client a prescribed physical therapy hot pack for muscle spasms.
- C. Direct the client to occupational therapy to distract him from somatic complaints.
- D. Administer the prescribed anticholinergic benztropine (Cogentin) for dystonia.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to administer the prescribed anticholinergic benztropine (Cogentin) for dystonia. The client's symptoms of body contortion and feeling like a monster are indicative of acute dystonia, which can be a side effect of antipsychotic medications like risperidone. Benztropine can help alleviate these acute dystonic reactions. Choice A is incorrect because changing the antipsychotic medication at this point is not indicated. Choice B is not appropriate as the client's symptoms are likely due to acute dystonia rather than muscle spasms. Choice C is also not the best course of action as the client needs immediate intervention for the acute dystonic reaction.
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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 healthcare provider is evaluating a client's response to a new antianxiety medication. Which client statement indicates a positive response to the medication?
- A. "I feel more relaxed and less anxious."
- B. "I am sleeping less and feel more energetic."
- C. "I have not noticed any changes in my anxiety levels."
- D. "I have more difficulty concentrating than before."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "I feel more relaxed and less anxious." A positive response to antianxiety medication is characterized by reduced anxiety and increased relaxation. Choice B, which mentions sleeping less and feeling more energetic, suggests potential side effects rather than a positive response to the medication. Choice C indicates no change in anxiety levels, which is not indicative of a positive response. Choice D, mentioning difficulty concentrating, is also a sign of a negative response to antianxiety medication as it may suggest cognitive impairment.
A female client with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is admitted to the hospital for a cardiac catheterization. The afternoon before the procedure, the client begins to keep detailed notes of the nursing care she is receiving and reports her findings to the RN at bedtime. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Explain to the client that her behavior invades the rights of the nursing staff.
- B. Ask the client to explain why she is keeping a detailed record of her nursing care.
- C. Teach the client strategies to control her obsessive-compulsive behavior.
- D. Encourage the client to express her feelings regarding the upcoming procedure.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Asking the client to explain why she is keeping a detailed record of her nursing care is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation. Understanding the client's motivations for keeping detailed records can provide insight into her obsessive-compulsive behaviors and help manage them effectively. Choice A is incorrect because it may come across as confrontational and not address the underlying reasons for the behavior. Choice C is incorrect as teaching strategies to control behavior should be done after understanding the client's motives. Choice D is incorrect as it does not directly address the behavior of keeping detailed records.
The healthcare provider is assessing a client who has been taking an antidepressant for several months. Which symptom would suggest that the medication is working?
- A. Improved mood and increased energy.
- B. Increased appetite and weight gain.
- C. Decreased anxiety and agitation.
- D. Enhanced sleep patterns and vivid dreams.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When assessing the effectiveness of an antidepressant, improved mood and increased energy are positive indicators that the medication is working. Choice B, increased appetite and weight gain, is more commonly associated with side effects of some antidepressants, such as certain tricyclic antidepressants. Choice C, decreased anxiety and agitation, could be related to the therapeutic effects of antidepressants in treating anxiety disorders but may not specifically indicate the efficacy of the medication for depression. Choice D, enhanced sleep patterns and vivid dreams, while changes in sleep patterns can be influenced by antidepressants, they are not the primary indicators of antidepressant efficacy. Therefore, the correct choice is A as it directly reflects the desired outcomes of antidepressant therapy.
A female client, who is wearing dirty clothes and has a foul body odor, comes to the clinic reporting feeling scared because she is being stalked. What action is most important for the nurse to take?
- A. Assure the client that the healthcare provider will see her today.
- B. Recommend that the client talk with a social worker.
- C. Ask the client to describe why she is being stalked.
- D. Offer the client a safe place to relax before interviewing her.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most important action for the nurse to take in this scenario is to offer the client a safe place to relax before interviewing her. The client's disheveled appearance and foul body odor suggest she may be in distress or facing challenging circumstances. By providing her with a safe and comfortable environment to relax, the nurse can help alleviate some of her distress and establish trust. This approach is crucial as the client is already feeling scared due to being stalked, indicating underlying mental health concerns. Assuring the client of a healthcare provider visit (choice A) may not address her immediate need for safety and comfort. Recommending she talk with a social worker (choice B) may be beneficial later but does not address the immediate need for a safe space. Asking the client to describe why she is being stalked (choice C) is not appropriate as the priority is ensuring her safety and comfort first.