A nurse is caring for a client following a fire that destroyed their home and killed one of their children. The client is crying and does not make eye contact with the nurse. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask first?
"How are you feeling at this time?"
"Is there someone I can call to be with you now?"
"Can you tell me what you have done in the past when going through a difficult time?"
"Have you thought of harming yourself?"
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Asking how the client is feeling is supportive but does not address the immediate risk of harm. While therapeutic, it is not the priority in a crisis situation where safety must be assessed first.
Choice B reason: Offering to call someone for support is helpful but secondary. Before involving others, the nurse must determine if the client is at risk of self-harm.
Choice C reason: Asking about past coping strategies is useful for long-term support but does not address the immediate crisis. It assumes the client is safe, which must be confirmed first.
Choice D reason: Assessing for suicidal ideation is the priority because the client has experienced a traumatic loss and is showing signs of severe distress. The nurse must determine if the client is at risk of harming themselves before proceeding with other interventions. Ensuring safety is always the first priority in crisis care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Asking how the client is feeling is supportive but does not address the immediate risk of harm. While therapeutic, it is not the priority in a crisis situation where safety must be assessed first.
Choice B reason: Offering to call someone for support is helpful but secondary. Before involving others, the nurse must determine if the client is at risk of self-harm.
Choice C reason: Asking about past coping strategies is useful for long-term support but does not address the immediate crisis. It assumes the client is safe, which must be confirmed first.
Choice D reason: Assessing for suicidal ideation is the priority because the client has experienced a traumatic loss and is showing signs of severe distress. The nurse must determine if the client is at risk of harming themselves before proceeding with other interventions. Ensuring safety is always the first priority in crisis care.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Buspirone does not provide rapid relief of anxiety. Its therapeutic effect is delayed because it works by modulating serotonin (5-HT1A) receptors rather than producing immediate central nervous system depression. Clinical improvement typically occurs after 1 to 3 weeks of continuous use. Therefore, relief of anxiety within 30 minutes is characteristic of benzodiazepines, not buspirone.
Choice B reason:
Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, dizziness, headache, and abdominal discomfort are relatively common adverse effects of buspirone, particularly during early treatment. These effects are dose related and may diminish over time, but they are not considered rare, making this option incorrect.
Choice C reason:
Buspirone does not cause physical dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal symptoms. Unlike benzodiazepines, it does not act on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors and therefore lacks sedative, muscle-relaxant, and addictive properties. This makes buspirone a preferred option for long-term management of generalized anxiety disorder, especially in clients with a history of substance use disorder.
Choice D reason:
Buspirone has no sedative or hypnotic properties and does not promote sleep. It is ineffective as a nighttime sedative and should not be used for insomnia. Clients requiring sleep aids would need medications specifically indicated for sleep disturbances.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.