When a client with major depressive disorder expresses feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, what is the nurse's priority intervention?
- A. Encourage the client to engage in recreational activities.
- B. Suggest the client keep a journal of their thoughts and feelings.
- C. Assess the client for suicidal ideation.
- D. Provide the client with positive affirmations.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the client for suicidal ideation. When a client expresses feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, it is crucial to evaluate the risk of self-harm. Encouraging recreational activities (choice A) or suggesting journaling (choice B) may be helpful interventions but assessing for suicidal ideation takes precedence due to the immediate risk of harm. Providing positive affirmations (choice D) is not the priority when safety is a concern.
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At a support meeting of parents of a teenager with polysubstance dependency, a parent states, 'Each time my son tries to quit taking drugs, he gets so depressed that I'm afraid he will commit suicide.' The nurse's response should be based on which information?
- A. Addiction is a chronic, incurable disease.
- B. Tolerance to the effects of drugs causes feelings of depression.
- C. Feelings of depression frequently lead to drug abuse and addiction.
- D. Careful monitoring should be provided during withdrawal from the drugs.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response in this situation should focus on the connection between feelings of depression and drug abuse. Choice A is incorrect because addiction is treatable, not incurable. Choice B is incorrect as tolerance does not directly cause depression. Choice D is not the best response as the parent's concern is about the son's depression leading to suicidal thoughts, not just the withdrawal process.
A young adult male client, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, believes that the world is trying to poison him. What intervention should the nurse include in this client's plan of care?
- A. Remind the client that his suspicions are not true.
- B. Ask one nurse to spend time with the client daily.
- C. Encourage the client to participate in group activities.
- D. Assign the client to a room closest to the activity room.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A client with paranoid schizophrenia has difficulty with trust and developing a trusting relationship with one nurse (B) is likely to be therapeutic for this client. Choice (A) is argumentative and may increase the client's resistance. Choice (C) might be too overwhelming and anxiety-provoking for the client. Choice (D) could increase the client's stress and anxiety, which are counterproductive in managing paranoid ideations.
Which statement best demonstrates the nurse's role in ensuring that each client's rights are respected?
- A. Autonomy is a fundamental right for each client.
- B. Client rights are guaranteed by both state and federal laws.
- C. Being respectful and concerned will ensure attentiveness to clients' rights.
- D. Regardless of the client's condition, nurses must respect client rights.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The statement 'Being respectful and concerned will ensure attentiveness to clients' rights' best demonstrates the nurse's role in ensuring that each client's rights are respected. This choice emphasizes the importance of being attentive and considerate towards clients to uphold their rights. Choice A is too general and lacks the direct connection to the nurse's role. Choice B highlights the legal aspect but does not specifically address the nurse's role. Choice D, although true, is not as comprehensive as choice C in describing the nurse's active role in respecting client rights.
A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. What is the most important intervention for the LPN/LVN to implement during the first 24 hours of hospitalization?
- A. Encourage the client to eat small, frequent meals.
- B. Monitor the client's vital signs and weight.
- C. Establish a trusting relationship with the client.
- D. Provide emotional support to the client.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the client's vital signs and weight. This intervention is crucial in assessing the severity of the client's condition and planning appropriate care. Vital signs and weight monitoring help in evaluating the client's physiological status and identifying any immediate concerns related to anorexia nervosa. Choices A, C, and D are important aspects of care for a client with anorexia nervosa; however, during the initial 24 hours of hospitalization, monitoring vital signs and weight takes precedence as it provides essential data for the client's ongoing management and treatment.
The nurse is performing intake interviews at a psychiatric clinic. A female client with a known history of drug abuse reports that she had a heart attack four years ago. Use of which substance abuse places the client at the highest risk for myocardial infarction?
- A. Benzodiazepines
- B. Marijuana
- C. Methamphetamine
- D. Alcohol
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Methamphetamine use is strongly associated with cardiovascular risks, including myocardial infarction, due to its stimulant effects on the heart. Benzodiazepines (Choice A) are not typically associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction. Marijuana (Choice B) is not commonly linked to heart attacks, though it can have other health effects. Alcohol (Choice D) abuse can lead to cardiovascular issues, but methamphetamine has a more direct and potent impact on the heart, making it the highest risk factor in this scenario.