A school nurse is assessing a female high school student who is overly concerned about her appearance. The client's mother states, 'That's not something to be stressed about!' Which is the most appropriate nursing response?
- A. Teenagers! They don't know a thing about real stress.
- B. Stress occurs only when there is a loss.
- C. When you are in poor physical condition, you can't experience psychological well-being.
- D. Stress can be psychological. A threat to self-esteem may result in high stress levels.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most appropriate response is D: 'Stress can be psychological. A threat to self-esteem may result in high stress levels.' This response acknowledges the psychological aspect of stress and how a perceived threat to self-esteem can be just as stressful as a physiological change. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not address the client's concerns or provide a therapeutic response to the situation.
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A client with major depressive disorder is prescribed an antidepressant. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching? Select the one that does not apply.
- A. It may take several weeks for the medication to take effect
- B. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication
- C. Discontinue the medication abruptly
- D. You may experience an increase in energy before your mood improves
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Teaching for a client prescribed an antidepressant should include several key instructions. Firstly, it's important to inform the client that it may take several weeks for the medication to take effect, so they should be patient. Secondly, they should be advised to avoid alcohol while taking the medication as it can interact negatively with antidepressants. Additionally, abrupt discontinuation of antidepressants can lead to withdrawal symptoms and should be avoided. Lastly, clients may experience an increase in energy before their mood improves, which is a common effect of some antidepressants. Regular blood tests are not typically required for most antidepressants, but adherence to the prescribed regimen and reporting any concerning side effects to the healthcare provider are crucial.
A physically and emotionally healthy client has just been fired. During a routine office visit, he states to a nurse: 'Perhaps this was the best thing to happen. Maybe I'll look into pursuing an art degree.' How should the nurse characterize the client's appraisal of the job loss stressor?
- A. Irrelevant
- B. Harm/loss
- C. Threatening
- D. Challenging
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The client's statement indicates that he views the job loss as an opportunity for growth and a new direction in life rather than a threat or harm/loss. He sees it as a challenge and is considering it positively, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. Choice A, 'Irrelevant,' is incorrect as the client's response shows relevance and a positive outlook. Choice B, 'Harm/loss,' is incorrect as the client does not express a sense of harm or loss but rather opportunity. Choice C, 'Threatening,' is incorrect as the client's response does not convey fear or threat but rather a positive reframe of the situation.
When interviewing a distressed client who was fired after 15 years of loyal employment, which of the following questions would best assist in determining the client's appraisal of the situation? Select all that apply.
- A. What caused the stressful situation?
- B. Have you ever experienced a similar stressful situation?
- C. Who do you think is to blame for this situation?
- D. Why do you think you were fired from your job?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The question 'Have you ever experienced a similar stressful situation?' is the most appropriate as it assesses the client's coping resources and encourages reflection on past experiences. This question can help the client consider alternative ways to deal with stress. Asking about the cause of the stressful situation may provide insight into the current situation but does not directly assess coping abilities. Inquiring about blame does not focus on coping strategies but may encourage negative thinking and a sense of victimization. Questioning why the client was fired is a nontherapeutic approach that can hinder communication by putting the client on the defensive.
During an acute panic attack, which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Encourage the client to discuss their feelings
- B. Provide a calm environment
- C. Teach the client deep breathing exercises
- D. Leave the client alone to calm down
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During an acute panic attack, the priority intervention is to create a calm and safe environment. Teaching the client deep breathing exercises is crucial as it promotes relaxation and reduces hyperventilation, helping to manage the panic attack effectively. Encouraging the client to discuss their feelings may exacerbate the panic by increasing emotional distress. Providing a busy environment can escalate stress levels rather than alleviate them. Leaving the client alone may lead to feelings of abandonment or worsen the panic attack. Therefore, the most appropriate intervention is to teach deep breathing exercises to help the client regain control and manage the panic attack.
A psychiatric nurse observes that a client diagnosed with schizophrenia is pacing up and down the corridor. The client is muttering to himself, and his hands are trembling. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Ask the client if he is hearing voices.
- B. Offer the client a PRN medication for anxiety.
- C. Encourage the client to participate in a relaxation exercise.
- D. Remove the client to a quieter environment.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The first action the nurse should take is to remove the client to a quieter environment. This intervention aims to reduce stimuli that may be contributing to the client's agitation and help create a calmer and more supportive setting for the client. Choices A, B, and C are not the priority in this situation as addressing the environmental factors should come first before exploring symptoms, offering medication, or engaging in relaxation exercises.