A nurse in a mental health facility is admitting a client who was brought in by the police department.
Complete the diagram by selecting from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, two actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.
The Correct Answer is []
Potential Condition:
a) Schizophrenia
Choice A reason: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition characterized by symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and significant social or occupational dysfunction. The client’s symptoms, including mumbling as if talking to unseen others and the belief that someone is trying to poison them, are indicative of psychotic features commonly associated with schizophrenia. The prescribed medications, clozapine and risperidone, are antipsychotics often used in the treatment of schizophrenia, further supporting this diagnosis.
Actions to Take:
d) Place the client in a room near the nurses’ station This action allows for close observation and quick intervention if the client’s condition worsens or if they exhibit behaviors that could be harmful to themselves or others.
f) Maintain the client taking their prescribed medications Continuing the prescribed antipsychotic medications is crucial for managing the symptoms of schizophrenia and preventing exacerbation of the condition.
Parameters to Monitor:
j) Command hallucinations Monitoring for command hallucinations is important as they can lead to dangerous behaviors, including harm to self or others, if the client acts on these hallucinations.
l) Suicidal ideation Patients with schizophrenia are at an increased risk for suicide, especially during acute episodes or when experiencing command hallucinations. Regular assessment for suicidal ideation is a critical component of care.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Telling a client that their experience is not real can be invalidating and may damage the therapeutic relationship between the nurse and the client. It is essential to acknowledge the client's experience as real to them and provide support without reinforcing the hallucination.
Choice B reason: While it is important not to reinforce hallucinations, avoiding direct questions about the client's experience can hinder the nurse's ability to assess the client's condition fully. It is better to ask open-ended questions that allow the client to describe their experience without feeling judged.
Choice C reason: Focusing the client on reality-based activities can help distract them from the hallucinations and ground them in the present moment. Activities such as listening to music, engaging in conversation, or participating in a physical activity can help reduce the intensity of hallucinations and provide a sense of control.
Choice D reason: Conveying sympathy for the client's experience is compassionate and can help build trust. However, it is crucial to balance empathy with encouragement to engage in reality-based activities and strategies to manage the hallucinations effectively.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: While stress reduction techniques are important, they are not the immediate priority when a client is currently being aggressive.
Choice B reason: Role modeling is a long-term strategy and not appropriate for immediate intervention during an aggressive incident.
Choice C reason: This is the priority action to assess the risk of harm to others and to take necessary steps to ensure safety for all clients in the facility.
Choice D reason: Making a list is a reflective activity that may be part of a treatment plan but is not the priority action during an episode of aggression.
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