A nurse is caring for a client who attacked one of her friends and is admitted to the psychiatric unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Explain the client that the behavior was unacceptable.
Explore the truth of the client's statements.
Set behavioral limits for the client.
Establish a client relationship
The Correct Answer is C
A. Explain to the client that the behavior was unacceptable: While addressing the behavior is important, it is more effective to first establish clear limits and boundaries to prevent further incidents.
B. Explore the truth of the client’s statements: This step involves assessing the client's statements and understanding their perspective, which is important but can be done after setting behavioral limits.
C. Set behavioral limits for the client: Establishing clear behavioral limits is crucial for maintaining safety and order in the psychiatric unit. It helps ensure that the client understands what is expected of them and the consequences of unacceptable behavior. This is particularly important if the client has exhibited aggressive behavior, as it helps prevent further incidents and maintains a safe environment for everyone.
D. Establish a client relationship: Building a therapeutic relationship is essential for effective treatment, but it should be done in the context of a safe environment where clear behavioral expectations have already been established.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
No explanation
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Decreased display of emotions:
While changes in emotional expression can occur in individuals with dementia, it's not a primary manifestation that is typically emphasized when educating families. Behavioral and psychological symptoms, including changes in emotion and personality, can be seen in dementia, but forgetfulness progressing to disorientation is a more direct and characteristic symptom of the condition.
B) Forgetfulness gradually progressing to disorientation
Explanation:
When educating the family of a client with dementia, the nurse should inform them to expect forgetfulness that gradually progresses to disorientation. Dementia is a progressive cognitive decline that affects memory, thinking, and reasoning. Forgetfulness is often one of the initial symptoms of dementia, and as the condition advances, individuals can become disoriented to time, place, and even people. This progression occurs due to the degeneration of brain cells and the accumulation of abnormal proteins.
C) Personality traits that are opposite of original traits:
Changes in personality traits can indeed occur as a result of dementia, but this may not be the most prominent or early manifestation that the nurse would want to highlight when educating the family. The gradual progression of forgetfulness leading to disorientation is a more specific and foundational aspect of dementia.
D) Decreased auditory and visual acuity:
Decreased sensory acuity, such as auditory and visual acuity, can happen with age and various health conditions, but they are not primary manifestations of dementia. Dementia primarily affects cognitive functions like memory, thinking, and reasoning.

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