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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Clients who are involuntarily admitted to a mental health unit retain their rights, including the right to informed consent. This means they must be informed about their treatment, including medications, procedures, and potential risks, and they have the right to accept or refuse treatment, unless a court order states otherwise.
B.Involuntary admission does not automatically mean forced treatment. Clients can refuse medications, unless they are deemed a danger to themselves or others, in which case a court order may be obtained to administer medication.
C.Restraint laws apply equally to all clients, regardless of admission status. Restraints must always be used as a last resort and require a provider’s order, regular assessments, and documentation.
D.Involuntary hospitalization has legal time limits, and court review is required for extended hospitalization. The length of stay varies based on state laws and judicial rulings.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The highest priority assessment in this situation is to determine if the client has psychotic thinking. Psychotic thinking can indicate a severe mental health condition that requires immediate attention and intervention. If the client is experiencing psychotic symptoms, they might be at risk of harming themselves or others. Identifying and addressing psychotic thinking is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of the client and those around them.
B. Asking the client to identify the cause of the crisis.
While understanding the cause of the crisis is important for providing appropriate care, it is not the highest priority. Psychotic thinking or risk of harm takes precedence over understanding the cause.
C. Identifying the client's coping skills.
Coping skills are important for managing the crisis and promoting the client's well-being, but assessing for psychotic thinking and immediate safety concerns comes before evaluating coping skills.
D. Identifying the client's support systems.
Support systems are valuable for the client's overall recovery, but they are not as time-sensitive as assessing for psychotic thinking or imminent safety risks. Identifying support systems can come after addressing the immediate concerns.
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