A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder. The client says to the nurse, “Give me your pen to cut the pain out of my chest.” The nurse should identify that the client is at risk for which of the following?
Illusion
Hallucination
Attention-seeking behavior
Self-mutilation
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
An illusion is a misinterpretation of a real external stimulus. For example, seeing a shadow and thinking it is a person. The client’s statement does not indicate a misinterpretation of reality but rather a desire to inflict harm on themselves.
Choice B reason:
A hallucination is a false sensory perception without any real external stimulus, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there. The client’s statement does not suggest they are experiencing a hallucination but rather expressing a desire to self-harm.
Choice C reason:
Attention-seeking behavior involves actions taken to gain attention from others. While the client’s statement could be seen as a cry for help, it is more accurately identified as a risk for self-mutilation due to the explicit mention of wanting to cut themselves.
Choice D reason:
Self-mutilation refers to deliberate self-inflicted harm, often as a way to cope with emotional pain. The client’s statement, “Give me your pen to cut the pain out of my chest,” clearly indicates a risk for self-mutilation, as they are expressing a desire to harm themselves to alleviate emotional distress.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Agreeing to send the information without the client’s consent is a breach of confidentiality. Healthcare providers must protect patient privacy and cannot disclose medical information without explicit permission from the client.
Choice B reason:
While obtaining the client’s signed consent is necessary before releasing information, this response still acknowledges that the person in question is a client, which could be a breach of confidentiality.
Choice C reason:
Stating that the information cannot be given out is correct, but it still indirectly confirms that the person is a client, which could be a breach of confidentiality.
Choice D reason:
“I am unable to acknowledge whether or not your employee is a client on this unit” is the most appropriate response. This statement protects the client’s privacy by not confirming or denying their presence in the unit, thus maintaining confidentiality.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The statement “I think that the federal government is spying on me” reflects a delusional belief, which is a symptom of certain mental health disorders. While this statement indicates the need for further assessment and possibly treatment, it does not pose an immediate threat to the safety of the client or others. Therefore, it does not warrant breaching confidentiality.
Choice B reason:
Expressing anger towards a doctor, as in the statement “That doctor I had today really made me angry,” is not uncommon in a mental health setting. While it may indicate dissatisfaction or a need for conflict resolution, it does not suggest an immediate risk of harm to the client or others. Confidentiality should be maintained unless there is a clear and imminent threat.
Choice C reason:
The statement “I get really ‘turned on’ by your appearance” is inappropriate and may indicate boundary issues or sexual attraction towards the nurse. While this requires professional handling and possibly setting boundaries, it does not constitute a threat that would necessitate breaching confidentiality.
Choice D reason:
The statement “When I get out of here, I’m going to make my neighbor sorry” indicates a specific threat of harm towards another person. Nurses are legally and ethically obligated to breach confidentiality in situations where there is a clear and imminent risk of harm to the client or others. This duty to warn and protect overrides the obligation to maintain confidentiality.
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