A female client admitted to the mental health unit starts to shout and scream at the nurse. Which is the best approach for the nurse to take?
Stay quietly with the client.
Tell her that she is out of control.
Ignore the client's acting out, behavior.
Distract her by offering finger foods.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Staying quietly with the client is the best approach in this situation. By remaining present and calm, the nurse can provide a sense of safety and support. This non-confrontational presence may help the client feel more secure and reduce her agitation over time.
B) Telling the client that she is out of control may escalate her frustration and feelings of being judged. This could worsen the situation rather than help it, as it does not offer any constructive feedback or support.
C) Ignoring the client's acting out behavior is not appropriate. Acknowledging her feelings and providing support is essential, even if her behavior is challenging. Ignoring her could lead to further escalation and feelings of isolation.
D) Distracting her by offering finger foods could be an effective strategy if the client is calm enough to engage in that activity. However, if she is currently shouting and screaming, she may not be receptive to distraction techniques. Addressing her emotional state first is more critical.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Determining if the client has a weapon available for use is the most immediate and critical action. Assessing the availability of a weapon helps the nurse evaluate the level of risk and potential for harm, which is essential for ensuring safety.
B) Informing the healthcare provider of the threat to harm coworkers is important but should follow an immediate assessment of the client's access to weapons. Safety must be prioritized in situations involving threats of violence.
C) Having the employee escorted to a mental health facility may be necessary, but it should be based on the initial assessment of the risk they pose. This action is more appropriate after determining the client's immediate safety level.
D) Notifying security about the client's intention to harm coworkers is also a necessary step; however, it should occur after assessing the situation and determining if there is an imminent threat. The focus should first be on understanding the potential for harm.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Asking the client why she is so anxious might seem like a valid approach to understand her feelings; however, at this moment, she may not be able to articulate her anxiety effectively. Instead of exploring the reasons for her anxiety right away, it's more important to provide immediate support.
B) Administering a PRN sedative can provide temporary relief for severe anxiety, but it should not be the first line of intervention during the admission process. Pharmacological intervention is important, but establishing a therapeutic relationship and using non-pharmacological approaches can be equally or more effective in the long term.
C) Assisting the client in developing alternative coping skills is a valuable intervention, but it may not be appropriate to initiate this process immediately during the admission phase when the client is experiencing acute anxiety. The client needs first to feel safe and stabilized.
D) Remaining calm and using a matter-of-fact approach is the most important intervention during the admission process. This approach helps create a safe environment and reassures the client. By modeling calmness, the nurse can help reduce the client’s anxiety levels and foster a sense of security, allowing for better engagement and assessment.
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