A nurse is caring for an adolescent who states an intention to self-harm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Maintain continuous observation of the adolescent.
Apply wrist restraints to the adolescent.
Collect data about the adolescent's mental status.
Obtain consent from the adolescent's guardian for the application of restraints.
The Correct Answer is A
The nurse should maintain continuous observation of the adolescent.
Choice A reason:
The first and most crucial action when a patient expresses an intention to self-harm is to ensure their safety. By maintaining continuous observation, the nurse can closely monitor the adolescent's behavior and intervene promptly if any signs of self-harm emerge. This action helps prevent immediate harm and allows for timely interventions.
Choice B reason:
Applying wrist restraints to the adolescent (Choice B) would not be appropriate in this situation. Restraints are typically used as a last resort for patients who pose a danger to themselves or others and only when less restrictive measures have failed. In the case of self- harm, using restraints can increase the patient's distress and potentially worsen the situation.
Choice C reason:
Collecting data about the adolescent's mental status (Choice C) is an essential step in understanding their overall condition, but it should not be the first action taken. While gathering data is important for a comprehensive assessment, immediate safety concerns must take precedence.
Choice D reason:
Obtaining consent from the adolescent's guardian for the application of restraints (Choice D) is not the first priority when the patient expresses an intention to self-harm. The focus should be on ensuring the patient's immediate safety, and consent for restraints may be necessary only if other interventions prove inadequate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
"I should call my provider if I notice thick white discharge in my underwear.”
Choice A reason:
The client stating, "I will need to have this device replaced every 3 years,” is incorrect. Subdermal progesterone contraception devices, such as Nexplanon, can typically last for up to 3 years, not needing replacement within that time frame. The rationale behind this is that these devices release a steady amount of progesterone to prevent pregnancy, and they are designed to be effective for the specified duration.
Choice B reason:
The statement, "This device will protect me from STIs,” in Choice B is incorrect. Subdermal progesterone contraception devices do not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Their primary function is to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and altering the uterine lining, but they do not offer any defense against STIs. It is essential for the client to understand that barrier methods, such as condoms, are necessary for STI protection.
Choice C reason:
The correct answer, "I should call my provider if I notice thick white discharge in my underwear,” is an accurate statement. Thick white discharge could be indicative of a vaginal infection, such as yeast infection, which might require medical attention. It is crucial for the client to report any changes in vaginal discharge to their healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.
Choice D reason:
The statement in Choice D, "I need to decrease the amount of milk I drink while I have this device,” is incorrect. There is no association between subdermal progesterone contraception devices and milk consumption. The device does not interfere with dairy intake or affect its metabolism. This information is unrelated to the proper use or management of the contraception device.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The FACES Scale is a visual pain scale typically used for children who can understand and verbalize their pain intensity. It consists of a series of faces with varying expressions, from smiling to crying, to help the child express their pain level. However, since the client in question is nonverbal and has cognitive and developmental delays, this scale may not be suitable as they might not be able to communicate using this tool effectively.
Choice B reason:
The Numerical Scale involves asking the patient to rate their pain on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain imaginable. While this scale is commonly used for older children and adults, it may not be appropriate for a nonverbal and developmentally delayed 9-year-old client, as they may not understand or be able to use numbers effectively to express their pain.
Choice C reason:
The FLACC pain assessment scale is designed for nonverbal or preverbal individuals, including children and those with cognitive impairments. FLACC stands for Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability. Each category is scored from 0 to 2 or 0 to 3, depending on the version used, based on specific observed behaviors. The scores are then totaled to give an overall pain assessment. This scale is particularly suitable for the current client's condition as it focuses on observable behaviors rather than verbal communication.
Choice D reason:
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) requires the patient to mark a point along a line that represents their pain intensity, with one end indicating no pain and the other end indicating the worst pain. Although this scale is useful for older children and adults, it may not be appropriate for a 9-year-old client with cognitive and developmental delays who might not fully comprehend the concept of the scale.
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