A nurse in a mental health facility is caring for a client who reports palpitations and a sense of impending doom. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Administer an anti-anxiety medication.
Explore behaviors that have helped to reduce the client's anxiety in the past.
Minimize environmental stimuli in the client's surroundings.
Explain to the client that anxiety causes physical manifestations
The Correct Answer is C
The client is experiencing palpitations and a sense of impending doom, which may indicate a heightened state of anxiety or a panic attack. Minimizing environmental stimuli can help create a calming and safe environment for the client. By reducing noise, bright lights, and other potentially distressing stimuli, the nurse can create a more soothing atmosphere that may help alleviate the client's anxiety.
While exploring behaviors that have helped to reduce the client's anxiety in the past and explaining to the client that anxiety causes physical manifestations are important actions, they may not provide immediate relief or address the client's immediate distress.
Administering an anti-anxiety medication may be considered if the client's symptoms persist or worsen, but it is not the first action to be taken. The nurse should prioritize non-pharmacological interventions and create a supportive environment before considering medication administration.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Dry, itchy skin is a common concern in older adults, especially during the winter months or in dry environments. Increasing the humidity in the client's environment can help alleviate dryness and itching. Placing a humidifier in the client's room will add moisture to the air and help prevent excessive drying of the skin. It is important to ensure that the humidifier is clean and well-maintained to avoid the growth of bacteria or mould.
Encouraging the client to bathe frequently may further dry out the skin, so it is not recommended. Similarly, applying powder to the skin may exacerbate dryness and should be avoided. Adding moisturizing oil to the bath water may provide temporary relief, but a humidifier will have a more consistent and long-lasting effect on the client's environment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a. Support the client's decision to stop the treatment.
As a nurse, it is important to respect the client's autonomy and right to make decisions about their own care. The decision to stop dialysis treatment is a personal one and should be respected by the healthcare team. The nurse should support the client's decision and provide information and resources to help the client manage symptoms and maintain comfort during the end-of-life process.
It is not appropriate for the nurse to suggest that the client discuss the decision with her family or to discuss alternative treatment methods, as these decisions should be made by the client in conjunction with their healthcare provider.
It may be appropriate to offer spiritual or emotional support to the client, but this should be based on the client's preferences and not imposed upon them by the healthcare team.
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