In the psychiatric setting, what is the most effective intervention in preventing the hostile client's behavior from escalating to physical aggression?
- A. Getting as far away from him or her as possible
- B. Engaging the hostile person in dialogue
- C. Yelling at the client to settle down now
- D. Ensuring that the client gets his or her way
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Engaging in dialogue de-escalates hostility by addressing the client's concerns, unlike yelling or conceding, which may escalate or reinforce negative behavior.
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The client with a history of explosive outbursts becomes angry and states, 'I am really getting angry.' The nurse sees this as
- A. Controlling
- B. Manipulation
- C. Progress
- D. Regression
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Verbalizing anger is progress, indicating self-awareness and control, unlike manipulation or regression, which involve different behavioral patterns.
After an angry outburst, the client is tearful and remorseful. Which statement by the nurse would be most supportive?
- A. If you still need to work on your problem-solving skills
- B. I will not allow you to get that angry again.
- C. If you should not have let your anger buildup like you did
- D. What could you have done when you first started to feel angry?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Encouraging reflection on early anger management in the postcrisis phase supports learning, unlike lecturing or blaming the client.
A client approaches the nurse and loudly states, 'I'm not putting up with this anymore!' The most appropriate response by the nurse would be which of the following?
- A. I can see you are angry. Tell me what's going on
- B. You are not allowed to make threats. Please keep your voice down.
- C. Why do you say that?
- D. You are here voluntarily. You can leave if you want
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Recognizing the client's anger and inviting discussion in a calm, nonthreatening manner helps de-escalate during the triggering phase, unlike dismissing or challenging.
A nurse is working with a client who has frequent angry outbursts. Which of the following statements is most helpful when working with this client?
- A. Anger is a normal feeling, and you can use it to solve problems
- B. You need to learn to suppress your angry feelings
- C. You can reduce your anger by hitting a punching bag
- D. You need to learn how to be less assertive in your communications
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Validating anger as a normal emotion and encouraging its constructive use promotes problem-solving, unlike suppressing feelings, catharsis, or reducing assertiveness, which can worsen outcomes.
The client's son is yelling and is hitting his hand with a rolled up newspaper. Which stage of aggression does the nurse identify that the client's son is exhibiting?
- A. Triggering
- B. Escalation
- C. Crisis
- D. Recovery
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Yelling and self-directed aggression (hitting hand) indicate the escalation phase, where behaviors signal a potential loss of control, not yet reaching crisis.
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