HESI Mental Health Practice Exam Related

Review HESI Mental Health Practice Exam related questions and content

What is the best initial action for the nurse to take with a manic depressive male client who becomes loud and verbally aggressive towards a nurse?

  • A. Have the staff escort the client to his room.
  • B. Tell the client that his behavior will be recorded in his record.
  • C. Redirect the client by asking him to engage in a game with peers.
  • D. Review the medication record for an antipsychotic drug.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In dealing with a manic depressive client who is being verbally aggressive, the best initial action for the nurse is to redirect the client by engaging him in a more constructive activity, such as playing card games with peers. This approach can help de-escalate the situation, shift the client's focus positively, and provide a distraction from the current behavior. Having the staff escort the client to his room may escalate the situation further. Threatening to record the behavior in his record is not likely to be effective in managing the immediate situation. Reviewing the medication record for an antipsychotic drug is important but would not be the best initial action in this scenario when the client is being verbally aggressive.