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?”

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Administering medication to sedate the client is not the appropriate initial action. The client's confusion and restlessness could be due to various factors, and administering sedative medication without identifying the cause of these symptoms could lead to adverse effects or mask underlying issues.

Choice B rationale:

Calling the family to stay with the client might provide emotional support, but it doesn't directly address the client's safety needs. The client's increasing confusion and restlessness require a more immediate intervention to ensure their safety.

Choice C rationale:

Applying wrist and leg restraints should be a last resort and is not the appropriate initial action in this situation. Restraints should only be used if less restrictive interventions have failed and the client's safety is at risk. Restraints can lead to complications such as decreased mobility, skin breakdown, and increased agitation.

Choice D rationale:

Correct Choice Moving the client to a room closer to the nurses' station is the most appropriate action in this scenario. This intervention helps to increase the client's visibility and proximity to nursing staff, making it easier to monitor and address their needs promptly. It also promotes a safer environment while allowing the healthcare team to assess the underlying causes of the restlessness and confusion.

A. A room without a window. B. A room containing personal belongings. C. A room adjacent to the nursing station. D. A room with dim lighting.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The correct answer is choice B. A room containing personal belongings.

Choice A rationale:

A room without a window would likely be isolating and could contribute to feelings of confusion and disorientation in a cognitively impaired individual. Natural light from windows helps regulate the circadian rhythm and provides a sense of time, which is crucial for maintaining a therapeutic environment.

Choice B rationale:

A room containing personal belongings is the correct choice. Familiar items from home can provide comfort and a sense of familiarity, reducing anxiety and agitation in cognitively impaired individuals. These belongings can act as cues for memory recall and assist in maintaining a connection to their personal identity.

Choice C rationale:

A room adjacent to the nursing station might lead to increased noise and disruption for the client. Cognitively impaired individuals often benefit from a quiet and calm environment, which would not be ensured in a room close to a potentially busy nursing station.

Choice D rationale:

A room with dim lighting can exacerbate confusion and disorientation in cognitively impaired individuals. Adequate lighting is essential for maintaining a safe and structured environment, as poor lighting can lead to falls and increased disorientation.

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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?

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