A nurse is admitting a client who has an alcohol use disorder. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Determine the client's degree of physical dependence.

Discuss the treatment plan with the client.

Document the client's alcohol use in the medical record.

Initiate a referral for treatment for alcohol use disorder.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Determine the client's degree of physical dependence:
This action is important but usually comes after the initial assessment and documentation. Assessing the degree of physical dependence involves evaluating the client's withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, and other physical health parameters. It helps in planning the appropriate level of care, such as detoxification if needed.

B. Discuss the treatment plan with the client:
While discussing the treatment plan is crucial, it's typically done after gathering essential information about the client's alcohol use, medical history, and current condition. The treatment plan is tailored based on the gathered data, which includes documenting the client's alcohol use.

C. Document the client's alcohol use in the medical record:
This is the first step because it provides a formal record of the client's alcohol use history, including patterns and any associated complications. Documenting this information helps in comprehensive care planning and ensures that all healthcare providers involved in the client's treatment have accurate and up-to-date information.

D. Initiate a referral for treatment for alcohol use disorder:
Referrals are essential, but they usually follow the initial assessment and documentation. The referral process involves connecting the client with appropriate resources, such as addiction specialists, counselors, or support groups, based on the documented information and the client's needs.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. "What have you done to change your situation?"
This response can come off as accusatory and might make the client feel judged. It's not the most therapeutic response in this situation.

B. "You should remove yourself from this situation now."
While removing oneself from a harmful situation is generally good advice, it might not be practical or safe in the heat of the moment. Moreover, this response doesn't address the underlying emotional distress the client is expressing.

C. “Are you thinking about harming yourself?"
This response directly assesses the client's suicidal ideation. It's essential to ask direct questions about self-harm when a person expresses feelings of hopelessness, as it provides an opportunity for the client to talk about their thoughts and feelings and for the nurse to assess the level of risk accurately.

D. “We will help get you through this. You'll be fine."
While offering support and reassurance is essential, it doesn't directly address the immediate concern of potential suicidal thoughts. The nurse should assess the client's safety first before providing reassurance.

A. Paranoia B. A somatic delusion C. Concrete thinking D. A visual hallucination

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Paranoia:
Paranoia involves unfounded beliefs that others are plotting against, persecuting, or harming the individual. It is not directly related to the client's statement about bodily sensations.

B. A somatic delusion:
This is the correct choice. A somatic delusion is a false belief related to the body. In this case, the client believes that their heart exploded and blood is draining out, which is a somatic delusion involving bodily functions and sensations.

C. Concrete thinking:
Concrete thinking refers to a literal and straightforward way of thinking without the ability to interpret abstract or metaphorical language. While the client's statement is literal, it is not an example of concrete thinking. Concrete thinking would involve an inability to understand figurative language, which is not the case here.

D. A visual hallucination:
Visual hallucinations involve seeing things that are not present. The client's statement does not describe a visual experience but rather a false belief about bodily sensations, indicating a somatic delusion.

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A nurse is admitting a client who has an alcohol use disorder. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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