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 (option A) 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 D
Explanation
A. Diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety. While benzodiazepines can cause sedation and might carry a risk of dependence, they are not typically associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation compared to antidepressants.
B. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an antihistamine that might cause drowsiness and sedation. It's not primarily used for anxiety disorders, and it's less associated with increased suicidal risk compared to antidepressants.
C. Propranolol (Inderal) is a beta-blocker used for treating conditions like hypertension and anxiety disorders. It's not typically associated with an increased risk of suicide compared to antidepressants.
D. A client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder and takes fluoxetine (Prozac).
Fluoxetine (Prozac) is an antidepressant that belongs to the class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). While it's effective for treating OCD, when initiating or adjusting the dosage of an antidepressant like fluoxetine, there can be an increased risk of suicidal ideation or behavior, especially in younger individuals. This risk is particularly prevalent in the initial weeks of treatment or when there are dosage changes.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine and is not typically used to manage opiate withdrawal. It may help with certain symptoms like insomnia or mild anxiety but is not a primary treatment for opioid withdrawal.
B. Methadone is commonly used in the treatment of opioid withdrawal. It is a long-acting opioid agonist that helps manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, providing a more controlled tapering process. Methadone is often used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder.
C. Benzodiazepines are not typically used as the first-line treatment for opioid withdrawal. They may be considered in specific situations, such as when there is severe anxiety or agitation, but they are generally not the primary choice due to the risk of dependence.
D. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdose. It is not used in the routine management of opioid withdrawal but rather in emergency situations where opioid overdose is suspected.
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