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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Open the fireplace dampers in the day room:
Opening the fireplace dampers in the event of an external chemical disaster would not be appropriate. In fact, this could allow toxic air or chemicals to enter the facility. It is important to seal off ventilation points that might allow the chemicals to enter, such as windows, doors, and any other openings, rather than opening the dampers.
B) Move clients to a room above ground with few windows:
In the event of an external chemical disaster, moving clients to a room above ground with few windows is a key safety measure. Rooms that are above ground level tend to be safer in such situations because chemicals may settle at ground level, increasing exposure risks to those below ground. A room with few windows is also important because it minimizes potential entry points for toxic substances from outside. The focus is on containing the air supply and limiting exposure to harmful agents.
C) Turn on fans in the facility to circulate air:
Turning on fans in the facility during a chemical disaster could worsen the situation by spreading toxic air or chemicals throughout the building. Fans are generally used to circulate air, but in this context, they would not be helpful and could potentially increase exposure to harmful substances. Instead, the focus should be on reducing airflow from the outside and sealing off the building.
D) Cover the electrical outlets with wet towels:
Covering electrical outlets with wet towels is not an effective response to an external chemical disaster. While wet towels can be useful in some scenarios for filtering or protecting from certain substances, in a chemical disaster, the priority is to ensure proper ventilation control and to protect from airborne chemicals by sealing the room. Electrical outlets should be covered for safety only when there is a risk of electrical hazards, but not necessarily in the case of a chemical disaster unless there is specific concern about sparks or fire.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Beefy, red tongue: The beefy, red tongue is typically associated with scarlet fever, a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus. This condition can lead to a red, "strawberry" tongue, often accompanied by a rash. While measles can involve a variety of symptoms, including a red rash, conjunctivitis, and cough, the beefy red tongue is not characteristic of measles. In measles, the more notable symptoms are a high fever, cough, runny nose, and the development of Koplik spots inside the mouth.
B) Paroxysmal cough: Paroxysmal cough, which is a sudden, severe, and uncontrollable cough often followed by a "whooping" sound, is more characteristic of pertussis (whooping cough). While a cough is indeed present with measles, it is generally not paroxysmal. In measles, the cough is more persistent and associated with other typical symptoms such as fever and a characteristic rash. The coughing in measles may also be dry and harsh but does not tend to occur in violent, paroxysmal episodes like those seen in pertussis.
C) Peeling of the hands and feet: Peeling of the skin, particularly of the hands and feet, is more commonly observed in conditions such as scarlet fever, Kawasaki disease, or after a viral infection like hand-foot-and-mouth disease. It is not a classic finding of measles. In measles, the skin rash usually starts as maculopapular spots on the face and spreads down the body. While some skin sloughing can occur after the rash resolves, especially in severe cases, it is not the characteristic sign of measles, and it is not typically seen on the hands and feet.
D) Fever: Fever is one of the earliest and most prominent symptoms of measles. It typically appears about 2-4 days before the characteristic measles rash. The fever in measles can be quite high, often exceeding 104°F (40°C), and is associated with other symptoms such as cough, conjunctivitis, and photophobia. The fever usually persists for several days, and it is one of the critical signs that lead to the diagnosis of measles, particularly when combined with the characteristic rash and other respiratory symptoms.
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