A nurse is assigned to care for several clients on a mental health unit. One of the clients who has suicidal ideation starts to verbalize clear intent to self harm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Request the client’s caregivers to remain with the client.
Notify the supervisor that the client requires one to one nursing observation
Assign the client to, a private room.
Increase the frequency of client assessment to hourly.
The Correct Answer is B
A) "Request the client’s caregivers to remain with the client.": While having caregivers present can provide some emotional support, this is not a sufficient or appropriate intervention when a client is actively expressing intent to self-harm. Caregivers may not be trained to recognize subtle changes in the client’s condition, and they might not be able to provide the level of safety required. It is essential that a trained nurse or professional provides direct observation.
B) "Notify the supervisor that the client requires one-to-one nursing observation.": This is the most appropriate and immediate action when a client verbalizes a clear intent to self-harm. One-to-one nursing observation ensures that the client is under constant surveillance, which is crucial for preventing harm and providing immediate intervention if the client attempts to act on their suicidal thoughts.
C) "Assign the client to a private room.": Assigning the client to a private room is not a recommended action when the client is expressing intent to self-harm. In fact, isolation in a private room could increase the risk of harm. The priority is to ensure the client is closely monitored, and being placed in a private room may reduce the ability for staff to observe and intervene as needed.
D) "Increase the frequency of client assessment to hourly.": While increasing the frequency of assessments is important, it is not sufficient to prevent self-harm in a client who is at immediate risk. The client needs continuous observation to ensure their safety. One-to-one nursing observation is more effective than periodic assessments for clients with active suicidal ideation or intent.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Check the client's pulse rate: While it is important to assess vital signs, the priority in this scenario is ensuring that the client’s airway is open and that they can breathe adequately. A pulse rate check can be performed after addressing the immediate respiratory needs.
B) Administer oxygen to the client: Administering oxygen is important for clients who are cyanotic and showing signs of respiratory distress. However, oxygen will not be effective if the airway is obstructed. The first priority is to ensure that the airway is open and clear, as this is the most immediate need for breathing.
C) Establish a patent airway for the client: The most immediate priority is to ensure that the client has a patent airway. Cyanosis and a decreased respiratory rate with shallow respirations indicate that the client is likely unable to get enough oxygen, possibly due to an obstruction or inadequate airway. Once the airway is secured, other interventions such as administering oxygen can follow.
D) Place a pulse oximeter on the client's finger: While measuring oxygen saturation is important, the priority action is to ensure that the client’s airway is open first. If the client is cyanotic and showing signs of respiratory distress, the nurse must address the airway immediately before assessing the pulse oximeter reading, as it may not provide accurate data without a patent airway.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Ensure that the client gave informed consent: Obtaining informed consent is a critical nursing responsibility prior to any procedure, including an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The nurse should verify that the client understands the purpose, risks, and potential outcomes of the procedure. This ensures that the client has voluntarily agreed to undergo the procedure after being fully informed.
B) Administer an oral contrast solution: An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) does not require the administration of an oral contrast solution. The procedure involves the use of a flexible endoscope to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and is typically performed without contrast agents. Oral contrast is more commonly used in imaging studies such as CT scans or fluoroscopy, not in endoscopy.
C) Inform the client the procedure will take 60 min: The duration of an esophagogastroduodenoscopy typically ranges from 15 to 30 minutes, not 60 minutes. The nurse should inform the client about the usual time frame for the procedure, but stating 60 minutes could be an overestimate. Providing accurate information about the length of the procedure helps manage client expectations.
D) Ensure that the client's bladder is full: The procedure is focused on the upper gastrointestinal tract, so bladder fullness is not necessary for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The client should be positioned appropriately, usually in a left lateral position, but there is no need for the bladder to be full. The nurse should ensure that the client follows the pre-procedure guidelines, such as fasting, to reduce the risk of complications.
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