A nurse on a mental health unit is caring for a client who has generalized anxiety disorder. The client received a telephone call that was upsetting and is now pacing up and down the corridors of the unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Instruct the client to sit down and stop pacing.
- B. Allow the client to pace alone until physically tired.
- C. Have a staff member escort the client to her room.
- D. Walk with the client at a gradually slower pace.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Walking with the client helps provide support while allowing them to work through their anxiety.
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A nurse on a crisis hotline is speaking to a client who says, "I just took an entire bottle of amitriptyline." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. "I'm glad you called, and I want to send an ambulance to help you."
- B. "You must have been feeling pretty depressed to do that."
- C. "Do you know how many pills were in the bottle?"
- D. "Were you trying to kill yourself by taking an overdose?"
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct response is A: "I'm glad you called, and I want to send an ambulance to help you." This answer demonstrates immediate concern for the client's well-being and prioritizes getting them the necessary medical help. It acknowledges the seriousness of the situation and the potential danger of taking an entire bottle of medication. Sending an ambulance ensures that the client receives prompt medical attention, which is crucial in cases of overdose.
Incorrect responses:
B: "You must have been feeling pretty depressed to do that." - This response focuses on the client's emotional state rather than addressing the immediate need for medical assistance.
C: "Do you know how many pills were in the bottle?" - This question does not prioritize the urgency of the situation and does not address the immediate need for medical help.
D: "Were you trying to kill yourself by taking an overdose?" - This response may come off as accusatory and could potentially escalate the situation. It is important to prioritize the client's safety and well-being
A nurse in the emergency department is implementing a plan of care for an older adult client who is experiencing delirium tremens. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Administer diazepam.
- B. Raise the side rails of the bed.
- C. Obtain a medical history.
- D. Start intravenous fluids.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer diazepam. Delirium tremens is associated with severe alcohol withdrawal and can be life-threatening. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine used to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms by reducing agitation and preventing seizures. Administering diazepam first is crucial to stabilize the client's condition and prevent complications. Raising the side rails of the bed (B) can be important for safety but does not address the immediate medical need. Obtaining a medical history (C) is important for understanding the client's background but is not the priority in this acute situation. Starting intravenous fluids (D) may be necessary to address dehydration, but managing the withdrawal symptoms with diazepam takes precedence.
A nurse in a mental health facility is interacting with a client who is angry and becoming increasingly aggressive. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Move the client to a private area so the conversation will not be disturbed.
- B. Use clarification to determine what the client is feeling.
- C. Speak to the client using an authoritative voice.
- D. Maintain constant eye contact with the client.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Moving the client to a private area ensures privacy, reduces stimulation, and promotes a sense of safety, which can help de-escalate the situation. It also prevents the client from feeling embarrassed or judged by others, allowing for more open communication. This approach prioritizes the client's emotional well-being and safety.
Summary:
B: While clarification is important for understanding the client's emotions, it may not be the most immediate action needed in a potentially escalating situation.
C: Speaking authoritatively may further agitate the client and escalate the situation.
D: Maintaining constant eye contact could be perceived as confrontational and may escalate aggression.
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has alcohol use disorder about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the program's basic concepts?
- A. "I am responsible for my alcoholism."
- B. "I need to identify things that cause me to be an alcoholic."
- C. "I am powerless against my addiction to alcohol."
- D. "I need to see a counselor who will be responsible for my recovery."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: AA is based on the principle of acknowledging powerlessness over addiction and seeking support.
A nurse is caring for a client who has anorexia nervosa and overexercises to avoid gaining weight. Which of the following nursing actions should the nurse take?
- A. Praise the client for looking at herself in a mirror.
- B. Ask the client to agree to talk to a nurse whenever she feels the urge to exercise.
- C. Reprimand the client about the potential damage that has occurred due to overexercising.
- D. Restrict the client from being weighed.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Asking the client to agree to talk to a nurse whenever she feels the urge to exercise is the most appropriate action. This approach promotes open communication and allows for timely intervention to address the client's excessive exercise behavior. It also demonstrates empathy and support, which are crucial in managing anorexia nervosa. By creating a safe space for the client to express her feelings, the nurse can help prevent further harm caused by overexercising.
Summary of other choices:
A: Praising the client for looking at herself in a mirror may reinforce distorted body image perceptions and unhealthy behaviors.
C: Reprimanding the client could lead to feelings of guilt and shame, exacerbating the client's condition.
D: Restricting the client from being weighed may not address the underlying issue of overexercising and can contribute to feelings of lack of control.