A nurse on an acute mental health unit is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder. Which of the following interventions is the nurse’s priority?
- A. Monitor for risk of self-harm.
- B. Administer prescribed antidepressants.
- C. Encourage adequate fluid intake.
- D. Assist with activities of daily living.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor for risk of self-harm. This is the priority because individuals with major depressive disorder are at an increased risk for suicide. The nurse must ensure the client's safety by closely monitoring for any signs of self-harm or suicidal ideation. Administering antidepressants (B) may be important for long-term management but ensuring immediate safety takes precedence. Encouraging fluid intake (C) and assisting with activities of daily living (D) are important aspects of care but do not address the immediate risk of self-harm.
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A nurse is performing a mental status examination (MSE) on a client who has a new diagnosis of dementia. Which of the following components should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Grooming
- B. Long-term memory
- C. Support systems
- D. Affect
- E. Presence of pain
Correct Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: The correct choices for the nurse to include in the MSE for a client with dementia are A, B, and D. Grooming is important to assess the client's self-care ability, which can be impacted by dementia. Long-term memory is essential in evaluating cognitive decline typically seen in dementia. Affect assessment helps determine emotional responses and can indicate changes in mood associated with dementia. Support systems (choice C) are not typically part of the MSE but are relevant for treatment planning. Presence of pain (choice E) is important but not a traditional component of a mental status examination.
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.
A male nurse is assigned to care for a female client who was admitted to the hospital for treatment of injuries following a domestic abuse incident. The client tells the nurse manager she does not want a male nurse as her caregiver. Which of the following nursing responses should the nurse manager make?
- A. "I can arrange for a female assistive personnel to do your personal hygiene care."
- B. "The nurse assigned to care for you is very capable and cares for other women in this situation."
- C. "Your doctor is a man, so it seems like this should not be a problem."
- D. "I can review the assignments and arrange for a female nurse to care for you."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The nurse manager should respect the client's wishes and arrange for a female nurse to care for her. This is important for the client's comfort and sense of safety. Option A only addresses personal hygiene care, not overall nursing care. Option B focuses on the nurse's capabilities, not the client's preferences. Option C is dismissive of the client's concerns and does not address the issue directly. It is essential to prioritize the client's feelings and choices in this sensitive situation.
A nurse on an inpatient eating disorders unit is caring for a client who has anorexia nervosa and has a body mass index of 17.2. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Provide the client with small meals frequently.
- B. Monitor the client's weight daily.
- C. Allow the client to choose the meals she will eat.
- D. Stay with the client during meals and for 1 hr afterward.
- E. Offer specific privileges for sustained weight gain.
Correct Answer: A, B, D, E
Rationale: The correct actions are A, B, D, and E.
A: Providing small meals frequently helps prevent overwhelming the client and supports gradual weight restoration.
B: Daily weight monitoring is crucial in tracking progress and ensuring the client's safety.
D: Staying with the client during meals and afterward helps prevent purging behaviors and offers support.
E: Offering privileges for sustained weight gain reinforces positive behavior and motivation for recovery.
Incorrect options:
C: Allowing the client to choose meals may lead to restrictive eating habits and hinder weight restoration.
F: No information given.
G: No information given.
A community health nurse is providing teaching to the family of a client who has primary dementia. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse tell the family to expect?
- A. Decreased auditory and visual acuity
- B. Decreased display of emotions
- C. Personality traits that are opposite of original traits
- D. Forgetfulness gradually progressing to disorientation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Dementia typically presents with progressive forgetfulness and eventual disorientation.