A nurse is caring for a client who has become violent and is threatening self-harm following a crisis. After ensuring enough staff are available. which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Administer a sedative medication.
Perform a debriefing with the staff.
Acknowledge the client's emotions
Place the client in restraints
The Correct Answer is C
A. Administer a sedative medication: While sedation may be necessary in some cases to manage acute agitation or aggression, it should not be the first action taken. Administration of sedative medication requires a careful assessment of the client's condition, potential drug interactions, and individualized dosing considerations. It's important to consider less restrictive interventions before resorting to sedation.
B. Perform a debriefing with the staff: Debriefing with the staff is an essential step in processing the crisis situation and ensuring the well-being of the team. However, it should not be the first action taken when the client is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others.
C. Acknowledge the client's emotions: Acknowledging the client's emotions and validating their feelings can help establish rapport and de-escalate the situation. However, if the client is actively threatening self-harm or violence, addressing safety concerns should take precedence.
D. Place the client in restraints: Restraints should only be used as a last resort and when less restrictive interventions have failed to ensure the safety of the client and others. Restraints should not be the first action taken, especially if there are other interventions that can be attempted to de-escalate the situation.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Autonomic dysreflexia: This condition typically occurs in individuals with spinal cord injuries above the T6 level and presents with sudden, severe hypertension, bradycardia, headache, and profuse sweating. It is not typically associated with alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as visual hallucinations and impaired consciousness.
B. Synergistic effect: This term refers to the combined effect of two or more substances or factors being greater than the sum of their individual effects. While alcohol withdrawal can interact with other substances or conditions to produce various effects, it is not a specific condition causing visual hallucinations and impaired consciousness.
C. Sleep deprivation: Prolonged sleep deprivation can lead to cognitive impairment, mood disturbances, and hallucinations, but it is not typically associated with impaired consciousness as described in the scenario. Additionally, the manifestations described are more indicative of alcohol withdrawal rather than sleep deprivation alone.
D. Delirium: Delirium is a state of acute confusion and altered consciousness characterized by disturbances in attention, awareness, cognition, and perception. Visual hallucinations and impaired consciousness are common features of delirium, especially in the context of alcohol withdrawal. Delirium often occurs due to underlying medical conditions, substance withdrawal, or medication side effects.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Remain 15 cm (6 in) away from the client: Maintaining a safe physical distance is important to ensure the safety of both the client and the staff member. However, the specific distance may vary depending on the situation and the client's level of agitation. It's essential to maintain a safe distance while still engaging with the client in a supportive manner.
B. Use a raised voice when speaking to the client: Using a raised voice can escalate the situation further and may increase the client's agitation or aggression. It's important to speak calmly and softly to avoid escalating the situation.
C. Determine the cause of the client's feelings: Understanding the underlying reasons for the client's aggression can help the nurse address the root cause and implement appropriate interventions. It's important to listen actively to the client, validate their feelings, and demonstrate empathy.
D. Ask the client short close-ended questions: Close-ended questions typically elicit simple "yes" or "no" responses and may not encourage open communication or help the client express their feelings. Instead, it's more beneficial to ask open-ended questions that allow the client to express themselves and feel heard.
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