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A patient has been admitted to the detoxification unit after binge drinking. Even though the patient is not currently intoxicated, he is combative and exhibits altered thought processes. Which nursing diagnosis would be the priority?
- A. Risk for Injury related to effects of alcohol abuse
- B. Risk for Self-Mutilation related to alcohol withdrawal and altered thought processes
- C. Risk for Other-Directed Violence related to alcohol withdrawal
- D. Risk for Delayed Development related to chronic effects of alcohol intoxication
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis is 'Risk for Other-Directed Violence related to alcohol withdrawal,' as the patient?s combative behavior and altered thought processes pose an immediate risk to others. Safety is the primary concern in this scenario, outweighing risks for injury, self-mutilation, or developmental delays.
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The nurse is caring for a family whose older father with dementia is living in their home. The nurse has instructed the family about how to decrease the father?s agitation. The nurse determines that the son has understood the nurse?s instructions when he states which of the following?
- A. Restraints can help reduce my father?s agitation.
- B. I should place my father in the bedroom with me so I can watch him more closely.
- C. It?s important that he gets out shopping with me or my wife.
- D. If I simplify our home environment, my father may be less agitated.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Simplifying the home environment reduces sensory overload, which can decrease agitation in patients with dementia. Restraints can increase agitation, close monitoring in a bedroom may not address triggers, and shopping outings may overstimulate the patient.
The nurse is working with a potentially violent patient in a community clinic. Which of the following would the nurse implement to minimize personal risk?
- A. Using protective devices
- B. Staying close to a door
- C. Keeping the door closed to ensure privacy
- D. Wearing inexpensive jewelry to distract the patient
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Staying close to a door allows the nurse to exit quickly if the situation escalates, minimizing personal risk. Protective devices may not be practical, closing the door reduces escape options, and wearing jewelry could increase risk by attracting attention.
While talking with a patient who has been experiencing aggression and intense anger, the nurse identifies that the patient feels isolation and anxious. Which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate?
- A. This must be scary for you.
- B. Once you relax, things will improve.
- C. I really understand how you feel.
- D. If you calm down, I can help you.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Acknowledging the patient?s fear validates their emotions and builds rapport, which is therapeutic for someone feeling isolated and anxious. The other statements may dismiss the patient?s feelings or imply they must change before receiving help, which could escalate agitation.
The nurse is assessing a group of patients on an inpatient psychiatric unit. The patient?s history for which of the following would the nurse identify as the strongest indicator of risk for violence?
- A. Panic disorder
- B. Problematic anxiety
- C. Somatoform disorder
- D. Violent behavior
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A history of violent behavior is the strongest indicator of future violence risk, as past behavior is a reliable predictor of future actions in psychiatric assessments. Panic disorder, problematic anxiety, and somatoform disorder may contribute to emotional distress but are not as directly correlated with violent behavior.
A group of nursing students is reviewing information about maladaptive anger. The students demonstrate a need for additional study when they identify which condition as being linked to suppressed anger?
- A. Coronary heart disease
- B. Arthritis
- C. Hypertension
- D. Breast cancer
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Suppressed anger is linked to coronary heart disease, hypertension, and some cancers, but arthritis is not typically associated with it. The students? identification of arthritis indicates a misunderstanding, as it is more related to physical or autoimmune factors than emotional suppression.