A client on an acute psychiatric inpatient unit approaches the nurse’s station every 10-15 minutes with various requests. The nurse intervenes by stating, “You may approach the nurse’s station only once an hour.” Which nursing intervention has been employed?
Confirming boundaries by setting limits on behavior.
Providing reality orientation.
Providing client education in a direct manner.
Ensuring physical need fulfillment.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Confirming boundaries by setting limits on behavior.
This response is correct because it directly addresses the need to set clear boundaries with the client. In a psychiatric setting, it is crucial to establish and maintain professional boundaries to ensure a therapeutic environment. By limiting the client’s approach to the nurse’s station, the nurse is setting a clear boundary that helps manage the client’s behavior and ensures that the nurse can attend to other patients as well. This intervention helps in maintaining structure and predictability, which can be very beneficial for clients with psychiatric conditions.
Choice B Reason:
Providing reality orientation.
Providing reality orientation involves helping clients understand their surroundings and current situation, often used for clients with cognitive impairments or disorientation. While important, this intervention does not specifically address the behavior of frequently approaching the nurse’s station. Reality orientation would be more relevant in cases where the client is confused about time, place, or person.
Choice C Reason:
Providing client education in a direct manner.
Providing client education is essential, but it does not directly relate to setting behavioral limits. Education might involve explaining the reasons behind certain rules or treatments, but it does not address the immediate need to manage the client’s frequent requests. The intervention described in the question is more about behavior management than education.
Choice D Reason:
Ensuring physical need fulfillment.
Ensuring physical need fulfillment involves addressing the client’s basic needs such as food, hydration, and comfort. While this is a fundamental aspect of nursing care, it does not relate to setting behavioral limits or managing the frequency of the client’s requests. The intervention in the question is focused on managing behavior rather than fulfilling physical needs.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Assess regularly for self-harm during treatment
Regular assessment for self-harm is crucial in any psychiatric care plan, especially for clients with conversion disorder who may experience significant distress. However, this action alone does not address the underlying issues or provide the client with tools to manage their symptoms. Continuous monitoring is important, but it should be part of a broader, more comprehensive care plan.
Choice B Reason: Allow for unlimited discussion on physical symptoms
While it is important to validate the client’s experiences and provide a space for them to discuss their symptoms, allowing unlimited discussion can sometimes reinforce the symptoms and lead to increased focus on physical complaints. This approach may not be beneficial in the long term and can detract from addressing the psychological aspects of the disorder.
Choice C Reason: Discuss alternative coping strategies with the client
This is the correct answer. Discussing alternative coping strategies helps the client develop skills to manage their symptoms more effectively. Techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation exercises, and stress management can be very beneficial. These strategies empower the client to handle stress and reduce the impact of their symptoms. Providing education on coping mechanisms is a proactive approach that can lead to better outcomes.
Choice D Reason: Encourage alone time for the client in seclusion
Encouraging alone time in seclusion is generally not recommended for clients with conversion disorder. Seclusion can increase feelings of isolation and distress, potentially exacerbating symptoms. Instead, supportive and interactive interventions are preferred to help the client feel connected and understood.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Ask the client direct questions about the hallucinations.
This response is the most appropriate because it allows the nurse to assess the content and nature of the hallucinations directly. By understanding what the client is experiencing, the nurse can better evaluate the risk of harm to the client or others and develop an appropriate care plan. Direct questioning helps in identifying whether the hallucinations are commanding the client to perform harmful actions, which is crucial for ensuring safety. This approach aligns with therapeutic communication techniques that emphasize understanding the client’s experience and providing appropriate interventions.
Choice B Reason:
Act as if the hallucinations are real.
This response is not appropriate because it can reinforce the client’s delusions and hallucinations, making it harder for them to distinguish between reality and their hallucinations. It is important for the nurse to maintain a reality-based approach while being empathetic and supportive. Acknowledging the client’s feelings without validating the hallucinations helps in maintaining a therapeutic environment.
Choice C Reason:
Instruct the client to argue with the voices.
Instructing the client to argue with the voices is not recommended as it can increase the client’s distress and confusion. Instead, the nurse should help the client develop coping strategies to manage the hallucinations, such as distraction techniques or reality testing. Encouraging the client to engage in a confrontation with their hallucinations can exacerbate their symptoms and is not a therapeutic approach.
Choice D Reason:
Explain to the client that the hallucinations will subside soon.
This response is not appropriate because it provides false reassurance. Hallucinations may not subside quickly, and the client needs realistic support and coping strategies to manage their symptoms. Providing false hope can undermine the client’s trust in the nurse and the treatment process. Instead, the nurse should focus on helping the client manage their symptoms effectively.
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