A nurse in an acute care mental health facility is sitting with a client who has schizophrenia. The client whispers to the nurse, “I'm being kept in this prison against my will. Please try to get me out.” Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. "Why do you feel that you need to leave?"
- B. "You feel that you don't belong here?"
- C. "We are here to help you and give you the care that you need right now."
- D. "Try to take some deep breaths and I'm sure you'll feel better."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response is C: "We are here to help you and give you the care that you need right now." This response acknowledges the client's feelings, reassures them of support, and validates their experience without dismissing their concerns. It promotes a therapeutic relationship and trust-building.
Choice A is incorrect as it does not address the client's immediate distress. Choice B is also incorrect as it may come across as invalidating the client's feelings. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests a quick fix without addressing the client's underlying concerns.
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A charge nurse is conducting a staff education in-service about depressive disorders. Which of the following should the nurse identify as a risk factor for depression?
- A. Being married
- B. Pregnancy
- C. Male gender
- D. Chronic illness
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Chronic illness. Chronic illnesses can lead to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, contributing to the development of depression. Individuals facing long-term health challenges may experience significant emotional distress, impacting their mental health. Other choices are incorrect because being married (A) can provide social support, which is protective against depression; pregnancy (B) can lead to mood changes but is not a consistent risk factor for depression; and male gender (C) does not inherently increase the risk of depression as much as other factors.
A nurse is performing an admission assessment for a client who is receiving treatment following a situational crisis. Which of the following assessments by the nurse is the highest priority?
- A. Determining if the client has psychotic thinking
- B. Asking the client to identify the cause of the crisis
- C. Identifying the client's coping skills
- D. Identifying the client's support systems
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Determining if the client has psychotic thinking. This is the highest priority because it directly addresses the client's immediate safety and well-being. Psychotic thinking can pose a significant risk to the client and others, requiring prompt intervention. Asking the client to identify the cause of the crisis (B), identifying coping skills (C), and support systems (D) are important but secondary to ensuring the client's safety. It is crucial to address any potential psychotic thinking first before delving into other aspects of the assessment.
A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Dismissal of past failures
- B. Psychomotor agitation
- C. An increase in energy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Psychomotor agitation. In major depressive disorder, psychomotor agitation is a common symptom characterized by restlessness, pacing, fidgeting, or hand-wringing. This is due to the increased inner tension and anxiety experienced by the individual. Dismissal of past failures (A) is not a typical finding in major depressive disorder, as individuals often dwell on negative thoughts. An increase in energy (C) is unlikely, as fatigue and low energy levels are more common in depression. The other choices are not provided, but it's important to remember that psychomotor agitation can be a key indicator in identifying major depressive disorder.
A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and is running around the unit asking people to dance with her. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take?
- A. Turn on a dance video so the client can burn off excess energy.
- B. Offer the client a low-calorie snack in return for stopping the behavior.
- C. Walk the client outside and sit with her in the garden area.
- D. Observe the client closely for the development of aggressive behavior.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Walk the client outside and sit with her in the garden area. This intervention helps the client to redirect their energy in a positive and calming manner. Being outdoors can provide a change of environment, fresh air, and can help the client feel more grounded. It also offers a distraction from the impulsive behavior and promotes relaxation. Turning on a dance video (choice A) may further stimulate the client's behavior rather than calming them down. Offering a snack (choice B) may reinforce the behavior and is not addressing the underlying issue. Observing for aggressive behavior (choice D) is important but does not actively address the client's current behavior.
A nurse is speaking with a client experiencing anxiety. Which of the following responses is most therapeutic?
- A. "Most clients with anxiety benefit from lying down."
- B. "Come with me to an area where we can talk without interruption."
- C. "Providers usually recommend relaxation exercises for clients who are upset."
- D. "An antianxiety pill works best for situations like this."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Bringing the client to an area for uninterrupted conversation shows active listening and support. It promotes a safe space for the client to express feelings and reduces anxiety. Choice A is incorrect as it assumes all clients benefit from lying down, which may not be true. Choice C is incorrect because recommending relaxation exercises may not address the client's immediate needs. Choice D is incorrect as medication should not be the first response for managing anxiety without exploring other options first.