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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "It will help you feel better if you talk about it." While talking can be therapeutic, pushing the client to talk when they're not ready may be counterproductive and increase their distress.
B. "Come on out and get involved with the game the other clients are playing." Encouraging the client to engage in activities may not be suitable when she is expressing a need for solitude and is not ready to participate.
C. "I'll stay with you for a few minutes."
This response reflects the nurse's willingness to provide support without pressuring the client to talk. It acknowledges the client's feelings and offers a comforting and nonintrusive presence. It respects the client's desire for solitude while still showing empathy and availability.
D. "I'll come back when you feel like talking." This response leaves the client alone, which may
be appropriate if that's what the client prefers. However, offering to stay for a few minutes communicates immediate support without pressure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The criteria for involuntary commitment typically involve assessing whether the individual presents a danger to themselves or others. If the client continues to pose a significant risk of harm to themselves or others, the involuntary hold may be extended.
B. Whether the client is unwilling to accept that treatment is needed is relevant to the overall treatment plan, but it may not be the primary criterion for involuntary commitment. The focus is often on the immediate risk of harm.
C. Whether the client is financially incapable of paying for prescribed medications is not typically a consideration in the decision to extend an involuntary hold. The decision is primarily based on the risk of harm to the client or others.
D. Whether the client is unable to make arrangements to stay with someone is not a primary criterion for involuntary commitment. The decision is based on the assessment of the client's immediate danger to themselves or others.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
