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 A
Explanation
A. Set limits on the amount of time the client talks about delusions.Clients with paranoid delusions may fixate on them, increasing distress and reinforcing their beliefs. The nurse should allow the client to express feelings but set limits on discussions about delusions to help refocus on reality-based topics.
B. Schedule a variety of competitive stimulating group activities for the client.Competitive activities can increase stress and paranoia in a client with schizophrenia. Instead, the nurse should encourage structured, low-stimulation activities like drawing or walking.
C. Tell the client that the delusions are not real. Directly challenging the delusions can increase defensiveness and mistrust.
D. Avoid asking the client about triggers for the delusions. Identifying triggers can help prevent or manage delusional episodes. The nurse should gently explore what makes the client feel more paranoid or anxious to develop coping strategies.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Offer the client high-calorie foods that he/she can eat with their hands and fluids frequently.
Clients experiencing acute mania often have increased energy levels and may engage in hyperactive behaviors, leading to a high calorie expenditure. Offering high-calorie foods that can be eaten with hands and fluids frequently can help meet the increased energy needs of the client. It's important to ensure proper nutrition and hydration during the manic episode.
B. Playing loud music for the client in her room may exacerbate the heightened arousal and agitation associated with mania. It is important to create a calm and structured environment.
C. Engaging the client in a small group activity may be overwhelming and contribute to increased stimulation. Individual activities or smaller, quieter groups may be more appropriate for a client in acute mania.
D. Instructing the client to avoid napping during the day may not be practical. Clients in acute mania often have reduced need for sleep, and forcing them to avoid napping may increase agitation and restlessness. It's essential to balance rest with activity and monitor for signs of exhaustion.
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