A nurse in a mental health facility is caring for a client who becomes upset and breaks a chair when a visitor does not arrive. The client remains agitated following initial verbal attempts to calm him down. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?
Plan with the client for how he can better handle frustration.
Place the client in a monitored seclusion room until he is calm.
Offer the client an antianxiety medication.
Restrain the client to prevent injury to himself or others.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Planning with the client for how he can better handle frustration is a valuable intervention, but it may not be immediately effective in the midst of heightened agitation. It is better suited for a calmer, more reflective time.
B. Placing the client in a monitored seclusion room until he is calm (option B) is an option for managing extreme agitation, but it should be used cautiously and as a last resort. Offering medication and attempting verbal de-escalation are generally preferable initial steps.
C. Offer the client an antianxiety medication.
When dealing with a client who is agitated and potentially escalating to a more volatile state, offering an antianxiety medication can be a helpful and immediate intervention to manage acute distress. It can aid in calming the client down and create an environment where other therapeutic interventions can be more effectively implemented.
D. Restraining the client to prevent injury to himself or others (option D) is a highly invasive intervention and should only be considered when there is an imminent risk of harm to the client or others. It is generally not the first choice in managing agitation due to its potential negative impact on the therapeutic relationship and the client's well-being.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Checking the bruises at the next visit may delay necessary intervention. If abuse is suspected, immediate action, such as reporting, is essential to protect the client.
B. Following the agency's guidelines for reporting suspected abuse is the priority when abuse is suspected. Reporting abuse to the appropriate authorities, such as adult protective services or law enforcement, is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of the older adult.
C. Instituting more frequent visits to the client's home might be part of a safety plan, but it should not be the first action. Reporting suspected abuse is the priority to involve the appropriate authorities.
D. Arranging a referral for family therapy is not the first step in suspected elder abuse. Safety and protection of the older adult take precedence. Once the immediate safety concerns are addressed, additional interventions, such as family therapy, may be considered.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "What happened to you in the past to make you so desperate?" may be seen as judgmental and may not be as helpful in the immediate crisis. It assumes a specific cause for the desperation and might not address the current feelings or circumstances that are contributing to the suicidal thoughts.
B. "What will you accomplish by taking your life?"This question may be perceived as confrontational or dismissive of the client's feelings. It might not provide a clear understanding of the immediate risk or plan.
C. "Why do you feel depressed enough to end your life?" is a direct question that may put pressure on the client and might not be as effective in exploring their thoughts and feelings. It assumes a direct link between depression and suicidal thoughts without allowing for a more nuanced exploration.
D. "How will you carry out your plan?"This question is crucial because it helps assess the seriousness of the client's intent and the immediacy of the risk. Understanding the specifics of the plan can help the nurse evaluate the level of danger and take appropriate actions to ensure the client's safety.
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