HESI Mental Health Practice Exam Related

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A male client turns over a table in the dayroom of a psychiatric unit and threatens to throw a chair at another client. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?

  • A. Calmly approach the client and remove the chair from the client.
  • B. Obtain staff assistance to help diffuse the escalating situation.
  • C. Offer feedback about the client's behavior.
  • D. Summon the hospital security guards as a 'show of force.'
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In a situation where a client is displaying aggressive behavior, the most important action for the nurse to implement is to obtain staff assistance to help diffuse the escalating situation. This approach ensures the safety of all individuals involved and prevents the situation from escalating further. Calmly approaching the client and removing the chair directly could agitate the client further and pose a risk to the nurse. Offering feedback about the client's behavior may not address the immediate safety concerns. Summoning hospital security guards as a 'show of force' should be a last resort after other de-escalation attempts have failed, as it may further provoke the client.