A nurse is caring for a client who atempted suicide. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Serve meals with plastic utensils.
Assign another client to accompany the client to therapy sessions
Assign the client to a private room
Check on the client every 4 hr
The Correct Answer is A
Answer: A
Rationale:
A) Serve meals with plastic utensils: Serving meals with plastic utensils is essential to reduce the risk of self-harm. Metal utensils could be used by the client to inflict injury upon themselves, so providing plastic utensils is a necessary safety measure to prevent potential harm.
B) Assign another client to accompany the client to therapy sessions: Assigning another client to accompany the client to therapy sessions is not appropriate as it places an undue burden on another client and may not ensure the safety of the at-risk client. Professional staff should provide supervision and support.
C) Assign the client to a private room: Assigning the client to a private room might increase the risk of self-harm due to reduced supervision. It is generally better to place the client in a more observable setting where staff can frequently monitor their condition.
D) Check on the client every 4 hr: Checking on the client every 4 hours is insufficient for someone who has recently attempted suicide. More frequent monitoring, such as constant or every 15-minute checks, is necessary to ensure the client's safety and provide immediate intervention if needed.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The subjective indication that the client needs PRN (as needed) pain medication is when the client reports pain. Pain is a subjective experience, and it is essential to address the client's self-reported pain level and provide appropriate pain management.
Explanation for the other options:
a) The client's heart rate is 110/min: An increased heart rate can be an objective indication of pain, but it is not a subjective indication. Subjective indications are based on the client's self-report or personal experiences.
b) The client is guarding their abdominal incision: Guarding the abdominal incision may suggest discomfort or pain, but it is an objective indication that can be observed by the nurse. Subjective indications focus on the client's self-report.
c) The client exhibits facial grimacing: Facial grimacing can be an objective indication of pain, but it is not a subjective indication. Again, subjective indications are based on the client's self-report or personal experiences.
In this scenario, the most reliable and appropriate indication for administering PRN pain medication is when the client reports pain, as this acknowledges the client's own perception of their pain level.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
c. Instruct the client to use abdominal breathing.
When a client is experiencing a panic atack, the nurse's first priority is to help the client manage their symptoms and provide immediate relief. Instructing the client to use abdominal breathing is the most appropriate initial intervention.
Explanation for the other options:
a. Discuss the client's feelings prior to the panic atack. While discussing the client's feelings can be beneficial in addressing the underlying causes of anxiety, it may not be the most effective immediate intervention during a panic atack. The client's focus during a panic atack is typically on managing the physical symptoms and regaining control.
b. Encourage the use of positive self-talk strategies. Positive self-talk can be helpful in managing anxiety in general, but during a panic atack, the individual may have difficulty engaging in positive self-talk due to the intensity of symptoms. Addressing the immediate physical symptoms is a priority before exploring coping strategies.
d. Administer an anti-anxiety medication. Medication administration may be necessary in some cases, but it is not the first-line intervention for managing a panic atack. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as breathing techniques, should be implemented first. If the panic atack persists or worsens despite these interventions, medication may be considered.
In summary, during a panic atack, the immediate focus should be on helping the client manage their symptoms. Instructing the client to use abdominal breathing can help promote relaxation and reduce the intensity of the panic atack.
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