The nurse provides care for a client diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. The client’s spouse states that the client has not slept in 3 nights. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Assign the client to straighten up the day room.
- B. Establish a trusting nurse-client relationship.
- C. Encourage the client to sleep and offer a sleep aid.
- D. Introduce the client to other clients on the unit.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Encouraging sleep and offering a sleep aid addresses the client’s insomnia, which can exacerbate paranoia and schizophrenia symptoms. A trusting relationship is important but less urgent, and other options do not address the immediate need for rest.
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A client has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and is using opioid analgesics for pain relief. Which action by the home care nurse would best allay the client's anxiety about becoming addicted to the pain medication?
- A. Encouraging the client to hold off as long as possible between doses of pain medication
- B. Encouraging the client to take lower doses of medications even though the pain is not well controlled
- C. Explaining to the client that the fears are justified but should be of no concern during the final stages of care
- D. Explaining to the client that addiction rarely occurs in individuals who are taking medication appropriately to relieve pain
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clients who are on opioid analgesics often have well-founded fears about addiction, even in the face of pain. The nurse has the responsibility to provide correct information about the likelihood of addiction while still maintaining adequate pain control. Addiction is rare for individuals who are taking medication to relieve pain. Allowing the client to be in pain, as in options 1 and 2, is not acceptable nursing practice. Option 3 is only partially correct in that it acknowledges the client's fear.
A client in the long-term care facility is confused and repeatedly asks the nurse for help finding the assigned room. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
- A. Here is a map of the facility, including the room numbers.
- B. I think you can find your room if you just concentrate.
- C. Your room is on the first floor by the elevator doors.
- D. You didn't have any trouble finding your room yesterday.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Providing a clear, specific direction (room location by the elevator) helps orient the confused client without frustration. Maps are too complex, urging concentration is unhelpful, and referencing past ability may cause distress.
Which statement made by a client who has experienced a spinal cord injury resulting in chronic immobility issues warrants immediate follow-up by the nurse to assure client safety?
- A. I'm so angry that this happened to me.
- B. I really don't want to live my life like this.
- C. I'm definitely not looking forward to going home.
- D. I don't know if I can make all these major adjustments to my life.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: It is important to allow the client with a spinal cord injury to verbalize her or his feelings. If the client indicates a desire to discuss her or his feelings, the nurse should respond therapeutically. Expressions of hopelessness or despair require immediate attention because they can indicate that the client is harboring suicidal ideations. Although the remaining statements require follow-up, they lack that serious component of despair and/or hopelessness.
The mental health nurse is caring for a client with Cluster B personality disorder. The nurse would expect the client to exhibit which behaviors? Select all that apply.
- A. suspicious of others, magical thinking, eccentric behavior, paranoia, relationship deficits
- B. preoccupation with rules and details, hoarding, ritualistic behavior, extremely devoted to work
- C. easily bored, poor and shallow interpersonal relationships, enjoys being the center of attention
- D. impulsivity, unpredictable behavior, extreme mood shifts, easily angered, playing people against each other
- E. suspicious and untrusting of others, argumentative, controlling of others, thoughts of grandiosity
Correct Answer: C,D
Rationale: Cluster B personality disorders (e.g., histrionic, borderline) involve attention-seeking, shallow relationships, impulsivity, and mood instability. Options A and E describe Cluster A, and B describes Cluster C.
The nurse in the emergency department (ED) provides care for a client who states that the client's spouse, 'Became angry and physically abusive.' Which action does the nurse take first?
- A. Encourage the client to verbalize feelings.
- B. Assess the client for physical trauma.
- C. Provide a list of shelters appropriate for the situation.
- D. Assist the client to identify a support system.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Assessing for physical trauma is the priority to identify injuries requiring immediate medical attention, ensuring the client's safety. Verbalizing feelings, providing shelter lists, and identifying support systems are important but secondary to physical assessment.