A nurse is caring for a client who requires nasotracheal suctioning. Identify the sequence the nurse should follow to perform suctioning. (Move the steps into the box on the right, placing them in the order of performance. Use all the steps.)

A. Sinus arrhythmia is typically not life-threatening and does not require immediate assessment unless other symptoms are present.
B. Epidural analgesia can cause some weakness in the lower extremities, but this is a known side effect and not an emergency.
C. Tachypnea, especially with a new onset in a client with a hip fracture, may indicate complications such as a fat embolism or pulmonary embolism, which require immediate assessment.
D. An HbA1c of 7.2% is slightly above the target but is not an immediate concern compared to other acute symptoms.

Potential Condition:

The client is most likely experiencing Brief Psychotic Disorder.

• Behavioral Clues: The client’s behavior, including running from EMS, shouting “No, you are not going to kill me,” and appearing disheveled with odd behaviors like mumbling and talking to themselves, is suggestive of a psychotic episode.
• Acquaintance Report: The acquaintance reports that the client has exhibited odd behaviors (e.g., talking when no one is present and being suspicious of everyone). This could be indicative of a pattern of behavior seen in brief psychotic disorder.
• Client History: The client mentions episodes of similar behavior starting at age 19, which is consistent with the onset of brief psychotic disorder in early adulthood.

Actions to Take:

• Engage with the client several times each day to establish trust:

In a psychotic state, it is important to create a trusting relationship. Building rapport helps the nurse understand the client’s perceptions and reality, while also reducing anxiety and providing reassurance. Engagement should be frequent and supportive to avoid alienating the client and to create a safe, comforting environment.

• Reduce external stimuli:

In brief psychotic disorder, external stimuli can overwhelm the client’s perception and exacerbate hallucinations or delusions. Reducing noise, unnecessary people, or overwhelming stimuli can help reduce agitation and improve the client’s ability to focus and function.

Parameters to Monitor:

• Suicide Risk:

Clients with psychotic disorders, particularly those experiencing delusions and hallucinations, are at an increased risk of self-harm or suicidal ideation. The nurse must assess the client's thoughts and feelings related to harm to themselves, especially given the potential disconnection from reality.

• Temperature:

Although the client's temperature is normal (37°C), psychotic episodes, particularly those that are intense or prolonged, can cause the body to become dysregulated. It's important to monitor the temperature as fever can indicate physical distress or complications (e.g., medication side effects).

Rationale for other conditions;

Substance Use Disorder: There is no evidence of current intoxication or withdrawal in the lab results (blood alcohol is 0 mg/dL), so substance use disorder is unlikely.

Delirium: The lab results and vital signs are within normal limits, and the client’s history does not suggest a medical issue that could cause delirium, such as infections or metabolic disturbances.

Anxiety: While anxiety could contribute to the client feeling “hot” or distressed, the client's psychotic behaviors (e.g., delusions, hallucinations) go beyond typical anxiety and suggest a more serious psychotic disorder.