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While talking with a patient who has been experiencing aggression and intense anger, the nurse identifies that the patient feels isolation and anxious. Which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate?
- A. This must be scary for you.
- B. Once you relax, things will improve.
- C. I really understand how you feel.
- D. If you calm down, I can help you.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Acknowledging the patient?s fear validates their emotions and builds rapport, which is therapeutic for someone feeling isolated and anxious. The other statements may dismiss the patient?s feelings or imply they must change before receiving help, which could escalate agitation.
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A son brings his father to the clinic and tells the nurse that his father has begun to act strangely in the past few days and has unprovoked outbursts of anger. After the incidents, the father expresses remorse for his outburst. The son says, I?ve never seen him act this way. Which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask next?
- A. Does your father have a history of an anxiety disorder such as panic disorder?
- B. Has your father exhibited previous problems expressing anger appropriately?
- C. Has your father suffered any traumatic injury to his brain recently?
- D. Has your father injured the back of his head or neck in the past week?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asking about recent traumatic brain injury is most appropriate, as sudden behavioral changes, such as unprovoked anger outbursts in an older adult with no prior history, may indicate a neurological issue, such as a brain injury. The other options are less likely to explain the sudden onset of symptoms.
The nurse is caring for an older adult patient who has no history of violence but is agitated and appears ready to strike out at a staff member. The nurse would assess the patient for which of the following?
- A. Panic disorder
- B. Epilepsy
- C. Bipolar disorder
- D. Sensory losses
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sensory losses, such as hearing or vision impairment, are common in older adults and can lead to agitation or perceived aggression due to frustration or miscommunication. Panic disorder, epilepsy, or bipolar disorder are less likely causes without additional symptoms or history.
The nurse is assessing a group of patients on an inpatient psychiatric unit. The patient?s history for which of the following would the nurse identify as the strongest indicator of risk for violence?
- A. Panic disorder
- B. Problematic anxiety
- C. Somatoform disorder
- D. Violent behavior
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A history of violent behavior is the strongest indicator of future violence risk, as past behavior is a reliable predictor of future actions in psychiatric assessments. Panic disorder, problematic anxiety, and somatoform disorder may contribute to emotional distress but are not as directly correlated with violent behavior.
A nurse is presenting an in-service program about aggression and violence to a group of newly hired nurses who will be working in an inpatient psychiatric facility. When describing characteristics that may predict the risk for violence and aggression in patients, which of the following would the nurse include? Select all that apply.
- A. Age
- B. Impulsivity
- C. Substance withdrawal
- D. Gender
- E. Suspiciousness
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D,E
Rationale: Age, impulsivity, substance withdrawal, gender, and suspiciousness are all predictors of violence risk. Younger age, male gender, impulsivity, withdrawal symptoms, and paranoia or suspiciousness increase the likelihood of aggressive behavior in psychiatric settings.
A nursing instructor is teaching a class of nursing students about anger, aggression, and violence. Which statement by the instructor would be most appropriate to include?
- A. Anger, aggression, and violence are points along a continuum.
- B. The terms used to describe anger are very precise.
- C. Anger is a knee-jerk reaction to external events.
- D. Women experience anger as frequently as men do.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Anger, aggression, and violence exist along a continuum, where anger can escalate to aggression and potentially violence if not managed. The other statements are less accurate: anger terms are not always precise, anger is not solely a knee-jerk reaction, and gender frequency is not the focus.