A nurse in a mental health facility is interacting with a client who is angry and becoming increasingly aggressive. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Use clarification to determine what the patient is feeling.
Never break constant eye contact with the patient.
Move the patient to a private area so the conversation will not be disturbed and cannot be seen.
Speak to the patient using an authoritative voice and ask them, "Why are you acting this way?”
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
When dealing with an angry and aggressive client, using clarification is an essential communication technique. It involves asking open-ended questions to better understand the patient's emotions and concerns, which can help defuse the situation and provide insight into the underlying issues.
Choice B rationale:
Maintaining constant eye contact can be interpreted as confrontational or aggressive behavior, potentially escalating the client's aggression. It's important to maintain a respectful distance and avoid behaviors that could exacerbate the situation.
Choice C rationale:
Moving the patient to a private area is a reasonable approach if the environment is contributing to the patient's agitation. However, the primary concern should be the safety of both the patient and the staff. Privacy can be important, but it shouldn't compromise safety.
Choice D rationale:
Speaking to the patient with an authoritative voice and asking "why" questions can escalate the situation further. It may come across as confrontational and provoke a defensive reaction from the patient. Open-ended questions that encourage the patient to express their feelings can be more effective in de-escalation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B: "Tell me more about your concerns about taking chemotherapy."
Choice A rationale:
This response focuses on negative outcomes and might discourage the client from exploring her options. It does not support the client's autonomy or address her concerns about nontraditional treatments. The nurse's role should be to facilitate open communication and understanding.
Choice B rationale:
This response is the most therapeutic. By inviting the client to share her concerns, the nurse demonstrates empathy and encourages the client to express her thoughts and feelings. This approach fosters a collaborative and respectful relationship, allowing the nurse to address the client's worries effectively.
Choice C rationale:
This response is directive and dismissive of the client's wishes. It fails to consider the client's perspective and autonomy. The nurse should avoid imposing personal opinions and instead promote a patient-centered approach.
Choice D rationale:
While acknowledging the provider's expertise is important, this response does not address the client's concerns about nontraditional treatments. It's essential to focus on the client's individual preferences and provide information to help her make an informed decision.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Periods of elation with unusual talkativeness. Rationale: While periods of elation with unusual talkativeness can be associated with certain mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, they are not specific to schizophrenia. These symptoms are more indicative of mania, which is characteristic of bipolar disorder.
Choice B rationale:
Recurrent thoughts of past trauma. Rationale: Recurrent thoughts of past trauma can be associated with various mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but they are not specific to schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is primarily characterized by disturbances in thought processes, perception, and behavior.
Choice C rationale:
Preoccupied with folding clothes. Rationale: Preoccupation with folding clothes is not a hallmark symptom of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and impaired social functioning.
Choice D rationale:
Invents words that have no meaning. Rationale: This statement is correct. Inventing words that have no meaning, also known as "neologisms," is a symptom often observed in individuals with schizophrenia. Neologisms are a manifestation of disorganized thinking and communication.
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