A nurse is sitting in the day room at an acute care mental health facility with a group of clients who are watching television. Suddenly, one of the clients jumps up screaming and runs out of the room. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Ask the group what they think about the client’s behavior.
- B. Follow the client to determine the cause of the behavior.
- C. Ignore the incident because it is an attention-seeking behavior.
- D. Stay with the group and ask another client to check on the situation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Follow the client to determine the cause of the behavior. This is the best course of action as the nurse should prioritize the safety and well-being of the client who exhibited distress. By following the client, the nurse can assess the situation, provide immediate assistance if needed, and ensure the client's safety. This proactive approach allows the nurse to address any potential risks or triggers that may have caused the client to react in such a manner.
Choice A is incorrect because seeking the group's opinion may waste time and delay necessary intervention. Choice C is incorrect as ignoring the incident could lead to a potentially dangerous situation being overlooked. Choice D is also incorrect as asking another client to check on the situation may not ensure the client's safety and well-being. The best approach is for the nurse to directly assess the client's needs and respond accordingly.
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A nurse is assessing a client who has schizophrenia. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a negative symptom?
- A. Delusions
- B. Hallucinations
- C. Social withdrawal
- D. Agitation
- E. Flat affect
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Social withdrawal. Negative symptoms in schizophrenia involve the absence or reduction of normal behaviors or functions. Social withdrawal is a common negative symptom, characterized by the client's lack of interest in social interactions. Delusions (A) and hallucinations (B) are positive symptoms, involving the presence of abnormal behaviors or perceptions. Agitation (D) is a symptom of increased motor activity, not a negative symptom. Flat affect (E) refers to a lack of emotional expression, which is also a negative symptom. In summary, social withdrawal aligns with the definition of negative symptoms in schizophrenia, making it the correct answer.
A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about reporting suspected child abuse. Which of the following statements indicates an understanding by the newly licensed nurse?
- A. "Evidence must exist prior to reporting."
- B. "If the potential abuser commits to stopping the abuse, health care workers are not required to report it."
- C. "I don't want to defame someone if the report is false."
- D. "If suspicion of abuse exists, then reporting is mandatory."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "If suspicion of abuse exists, then reporting is mandatory." This statement is correct because as a healthcare professional, it is crucial to report any suspicion of child abuse to protect the child's safety. Reporting is mandatory to ensure that appropriate actions are taken to investigate and prevent harm to the child.
A: "Evidence must exist prior to reporting." - This statement is incorrect because suspicion alone is enough to trigger reporting, and waiting for evidence may delay intervention and put the child at risk.
B: "If the potential abuser commits to stopping the abuse, health care workers are not required to report it." - This statement is incorrect as it is the responsibility of healthcare workers to report suspected abuse regardless of promises made by the potential abuser.
C: "I don't want to defame someone if the report is false." - This statement is incorrect because the focus should be on the safety and well-being of the child, and reporting suspicions of abuse is not about def
Which intervention should a nurse prioritize when caring for a client with alcohol use disorder?
- A. Helping the client identify positive personality traits
- B. Providing adequate hydration and rest
- C. Confronting denial and defense mechanisms
- D. Educating the client about alcohol misuse
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Providing adequate hydration and rest. This intervention is crucial because individuals with alcohol use disorder often experience dehydration and fatigue due to excessive alcohol consumption. Hydration helps to flush out toxins and restore electrolyte balance, while rest supports physical and mental recovery. Helping the client identify positive personality traits (A) may be beneficial in building self-esteem but is not as urgent as addressing physical needs. Confronting denial and defense mechanisms (C) may lead to resistance and hinder the therapeutic relationship. Educating the client about alcohol misuse (D) is important but should be done after addressing immediate physical needs.
A nurse in an acute care mental health facility is admitting a client who reports feeling depressed, sad, moody, and overly anxious. Which of the following is the nurse’s assessment priority?
- A. Coping abilities
- B. Support systems
- C. Suicide risk
- D. Psychiatric history
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Suicide risk. This is the priority assessment because the client is reporting symptoms of depression and anxiety, which are risk factors for suicide. Assessing suicide risk is crucial for ensuring the client's safety. Coping abilities (A) and support systems (B) are important, but assessing suicide risk takes precedence in this situation. Psychiatric history (D) may provide valuable information, but it is not the priority when the client is actively reporting symptoms of depression and anxiety.
A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder and attempted suicide. The client tells the nurse, "I should have died because I am totally worthless." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. "You have a great deal to live for."
- B. "It’s not unusual for depressed people to feel that way."
- C. "Why do you feel you are worthless?"
- D. "You’ve been feeling that your life has no meaning."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Reflecting the client’s emotions helps encourage further discussion.