A community health nurse is evaluating an elderly client whose wife passed away 4 weeks prior. The client mentions he is not eating and states, "Why bother, why bother going on at all?" Which of the following should the nurse recognize as the need for further assessment?

Complicated grieving

Chronic pain

Risk for suicide

Social isolation

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason:
Complicated grieving is a natural response to the loss of a loved one, characterized by intense sorrow and longing. However, the client's statement indicates a sense of hopelessness and a lack of desire to continue living, which goes beyond the typical symptoms of complicated grieving. While it is important to assess for complicated grieving, the client's expression of not wanting to go on suggests a more immediate risk.

Choice B reason:
Chronic pain can lead to depression and decreased quality of life, but the client does not mention any physical pain. The absence of such complaints makes chronic pain a less likely cause for the client's current state. It is still important to assess for any physical discomfort that the client may not be communicating.

Choice C reason:
The client's statement of questioning the purpose of continuing life is a clear indicator of suicidal ideation, which warrants immediate further assessment. The risk for suicide is often heightened following significant life events such as the loss of a spouse. The nurse must prioritize this assessment to ensure the client's safety.

Choice D reason:
Social isolation can contribute to feelings of loneliness and depression, particularly in the elderly who have lost a significant other. While social isolation is a concern and can exacerbate other mental health issues, the client's explicit questioning of life's worth points more directly to a risk for suicide.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Escorting the client to the common area is not the priority action. While being around others can sometimes be comforting, during a panic attack, the client may feel overwhelmed and exposed, which could exacerbate the situation.

Choice B reason:
Contacting security for possible restraints should be a last resort and is not the priority action. Restraints can increase anxiety and fear, potentially escalating the panic attack. The use of restraints is only considered when the client is at risk of harming themselves or others and all other interventions have failed.

Choice C reason:
Staying with the client is the priority action. During a panic attack, the client needs reassurance and a sense of safety. The nurse's presence can provide comfort. The nurse should remain calm, use a quiet voice, and avoid making any sudden movements. Implementing relaxation techniques and promoting a calming environment are also beneficial.

Choice D reason:
Staying away from the client is not the priority action. Leaving the client alone can increase feelings of isolation and fear. The nurse should provide continuous observation and support during the panic attack.

A. Cirrhosis B. Heightened awareness C. Gastritis D. Brain damage E. Esophageal varices

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Cirrhosis is a severe scarring of the liver and poor liver function seen at the terminal stages of chronic liver disease. It is one of the primary long-term effects of alcohol use disorder, as the liver is the main organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol. Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to inflammation, liver cell death, and eventually cirrhosis, which significantly impairs the liver's ability to function properly.

Choice B reason:
Heightened awareness is not typically a long-term physiological effect of alcohol use disorder. In fact, chronic alcohol use is more likely to dull cognitive functions and reduce awareness due to its depressive effects on the central nervous system.

Choice C reason:
Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, is another potential long-term effect of alcohol use disorder. Alcohol can irritate and erode the gastric mucosa, leading to gastritis, which may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Choice D reason:
Brain damage is a serious long-term effect of alcohol use disorder. Alcohol can cause changes in the brain, leading to problems with cognition, memory, and motor skills. Chronic exposure to alcohol can result in brain shrinkage and the development of conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

Choice E reason:
Esophageal varices are enlarged veins in the esophagus that can occur as a result of portal hypertension, often due to cirrhosis of the liver caused by alcohol use disorder. They are a significant risk because they can rupture and lead to life-threatening bleeding.

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A community health nurse is evaluating an elderly client whose wife passed away 4 weeks prior. The client mentions he is not eating and states, "Why bother, why bother going on at all?" Which of the following should the nurse recognize as the need for further assessment?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client with generalized anxiety disorder who is experiencing a panic attack. Which of the following is the nurse's priority action for this client?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

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