A patient with major depression who has lost 20 pounds in one month, has chronic low self-esteem, and a plan for suicide. The patient has taken an antidepressant medication for 1 week. Which nursing intervention is most directly related to this outcome: 'Patient will refrain from gestures and attempts to harm self'?
- A. Implement suicide precautions.
- B. Frequently offer high-calorie snacks and fluids.
- C. Assist the patient to identify three personal strengths.
- D. Observe patient for therapeutic effects of antidepressant medication.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Implementing suicide precautions is the most critical intervention in this scenario as it directly addresses the patient's safety and the prevention of self-harm. The patient's significant weight loss, chronic low self-esteem, suicide plan, and recent initiation of an antidepressant medication indicate a high risk of self-harm. Suicide precautions involve close monitoring, removing harmful objects, and ensuring a safe environment to prevent the patient from acting on suicidal thoughts. While offering high-calorie snacks and fluids, assisting the patient in identifying personal strengths, and observing for therapeutic effects of the antidepressant are important aspects of care, they do not directly address the immediate risk of self-harm that implementing suicide precautions does.
You may also like to solve these questions
The client is still unable to sleep despite following the progressive muscle relaxation technique routine taught by the nurse. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Instruct the client to add regular exercise to their daily routine.
- B. Determine if the client has been keeping a sleep diary.
- C. Encourage the client to continue the routine until sleep is achieved.
- D. Ask the client to describe the routine they are currently following.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse's initial step should be to assess the client's adherence to the original instructions. By asking the client to describe the routine they are following, the nurse gains more specific information than relying solely on a sleep diary. This information will help the nurse identify any deviations or areas needing adjustment in the technique. Encouraging the client to persist with an unsuccessful routine without evaluation is not beneficial. Adding regular exercise, although important for overall sleep health, should come after ensuring the correct execution of the relaxation technique.
The nurse selects the best site for insertion of an IV catheter in the client's right arm. Which documentation should the nurse use to identify the placement of the IV access?
- A. Left brachial vein
- B. Right cephalic vein
- C. Dorsal side of the right wrist
- D. Right upper extremity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the right cephalic vein. The cephalic vein is a large and superficial vein commonly used for IV access. Documenting the specific anatomic name of the vein used for IV access, such as the cephalic vein, is essential for accurate medical records. Option A, the left brachial vein, is incorrect as the brachial vein is too deep to be accessed for IV infusion. Option C, the dorsal side of the right wrist, is not a recommended IV access site due to fragile veins and potential pain for the patient. Option D, right upper extremity, is too broad and lacks the specificity necessary for precise documentation of the IV access site.
The nurse on the psychiatric unit notices that a client diagnosed with depression does not eat meals. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
- A. Suggest the client take meals in the client's room.
- B. Ask the client to identify favorite foods.
- C. Offer the client high-calorie foods to carry around.
- D. Set a goal for percentage of meal consumption.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Asking the client to identify favorite foods engages them in their care and may increase appetite by incorporating preferences, addressing the underlying issue of poor intake. Other options may not address motivation or may impose goals without client input.
A 16-year-old client with Crohn's disease is hospitalized. Which statement by the client would alert the nurse to a potential developmental problem?
- A. I'd like my hair washed before my friends get here.
- B. Is it okay if I have a couple of friends in to visit me this evening?
- C. Please tell my friends not to visit, since I'll see them back at school next week.
- D. When my friends get here, I would like to play some computer games with them.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Adolescents who withdraw from peers into isolation struggle with developing identity, so option 3 should cause the nurse to be concerned. It is appropriate for the client to ask for hygiene measures to be attended to before the peer group arrives. Option 2 indicates that the client is eager for companionship. Adolescents often develop special interests within their groups that may help them maximize certain skills, such as with computers.
The nurse is administering the 0900 medications to a client who was admitted during the night. Which client statement indicates that the nurse should further assess the medication order?
- A. At home, I take my pills at 8:00 am.
- B. It costs a lot of money to buy all of these pills.
- C. I get so tired of taking pills every day.
- D. This is a new pill I have never taken before.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The client stating, 'This is a new pill I have never taken before,' is the correct answer as it indicates a potential discrepancy in the medication order. This statement requires further assessment to ensure the medication is correct, verify if it is a new prescription or a different manufacturer, and determine if the client needs additional instructions. While the timing of medication administration (option A) is important, it may not be as critical as ensuring the accuracy of the medication being administered. Option B, regarding the cost of pills, is relevant for discharge planning but does not directly impact the immediate administration of the medication. Option C, expressing tiredness from taking pills daily, may warrant discussion on adherence or side effects but does not raise immediate concerns about the specific medication being administered.
Nokea