A female client is admitted with complaints of abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and a weight loss of 25 pounds (11 kg) in the last four months. During the admission assessment, the client tells the nurse that she has no interest in playing cards with her friends anymore and feels worthless most days. Which nursing problem should the nurse address first?

Anxiety as evidenced by abdominal complaints secondary to depression.

Imbalanced nutrition as evidenced by 25 pound (11 kg) weight loss in four months.

Chronic low self-esteem as evidenced by feelings of worthlessness.

Risk for self-directed violence as evidenced by feelings of hopelessness.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

The client's statement of feeling worthless most days and having no interest in activities she previously enjoyed indicates a potential risk for self-directed violence, including self-harm or suicidal ideation. These signs are significant and require immediate attention and intervention by the nurse.

Assessing and addressing the client's risk for self-directed violence is of utmost importance to ensure her safety and well-being. The nurse should initiate a thorough assessment of the client's mental health, including assessing for any suicidal ideation, intent, or plans. It is crucial to establish a supportive and non-judgmental environment for the client to express her feelings and concerns.

The nurse should collaborate with the healthcare team to develop an appropriate care plan that may involve interventions such as close observation, involving a mental health professional, implementing safety measures, and providing emotional support.

While addressing other nursing problems, such as anxiety, imbalanced nutrition, and chronic low self-esteem, is important, the immediate concern is the client's risk for self-directed violence due to her feelings of hopelessness.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","E","F"]

Explanation

A) Correct- The client's statement suggests a misconception about the progression from acute stress disorder (ASD) to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While ASD is an initial response to trauma, it doesn't necessarily indicate a high risk for developing PTSD. The nurse should provide education about the differences and the various factors that influence the development of PTSD.

B) Incorrect- This statement reflects the client's proactive approach to using holistic approaches like meditation to manage symptoms. Meditation and other relaxation techniques can be beneficial for managing stress and anxiety related to the traumatic event.

C) Incorrect- This statement reflects the client's motivation to learn how to manage their thoughts better through therapy. Therapy can be highly effective for addressing trauma-related distress and helping clients develop coping strategies.

D) Incorrect- This statement reflects the client's recognition that their response is shared by many people in similar situations. Validating the client's experience and normalizing their feelings can be therapeutic.

E) Correct- This statement reflects a common misconception and stigma associated with mental health diagnoses. The nurse should reassure the client that a diagnosis of acute stress disorderdoes not equate to being "crazy" and provide information about the nature of the disorder and available treatments.

F) Correct- The statement implies a potential pessimistic outlook on treatment. While medication might be part of the treatment plan, it's important to emphasize that treatment approaches are individualized. Encouraging an open dialogue about various treatment options, including therapy and coping strategies, is essential.

A. "When did these voices begin?" B. "Do you believe the voices are real?" C. "Are you planning to obey the voices?" D. "Have you taken any hallucinogens?"

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

It is important to determine if the client has any plans or intentions to act upon the voices' instructions. This information helps gauge the level of risk and guides further interventions and safety measures.

While the other questions may also be important to ask during the assessment, determining if the client believes the voices are real and when the voices began can provide valuable information about the client's perception and the duration of the symptoms. Asking about the use of hallucinogens is relevant to identify potential substance-induced causes of the hallucinations. However, assessing the client's intent and potential for harm is the priority in this situation.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is ["A","E","F"]

Explanation

A college student brings a dorm roommate to the campus clinic because the roommate has been talking to someone who is not present. The client tells the nurse that the voices are saying, "Kill, kill." Which question should the nurse ask the client next?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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