A nurse is counseling an older adult client whose partner died suddenly the previous month. The client cries periodically and rarely makes eye contact. Which of the following questions is the priority for the nurse to ask?
"What are you looking forward to each day?"
"Can you tell me about your sleep patterns?"
"Have you ever felt like you don't want to live anymore?"
"Are you taking any medications at this time?"
The Correct Answer is C
A) "What are you looking forward to each day?": While asking about daily expectations can provide insight into the client's coping mechanisms and hopefulness, it does not immediately address potential safety concerns. It is a helpful question for assessing the client's adjustment but not the priority if there is a concern about suicidal ideation.
B) "Can you tell me about your sleep patterns?": Sleep patterns are important for understanding overall well-being, especially during grief. However, this question is secondary to addressing the immediate risk of self-harm. Assessing sleep can come after determining if the client is having suicidal thoughts.
C) "Have you ever felt like you don't want to live anymore?": This question is crucial because it directly assesses the client's risk of suicidal ideation or self-harm. Given the client's recent loss and current symptoms, it is important to evaluate if there is a risk to their safety, making this the priority question.
D) "Are you taking any medications at this time?": While it is important to know about the client's medication use, this question does not address the immediate risk of self-harm or assess the psychological impact of the recent loss. Medication information is less urgent compared to evaluating suicidal thoughts.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Double-bag the client's trash before removing it from the room: While double-bagging is a precaution used in certain infections to prevent contamination, it is not necessary for influenza. Influenza spreads via respiratory droplets rather than contact with contaminated objects. Standard waste disposal methods are typically sufficient to manage the risk of contamination from trash.
B) Place the client in a negative air pressure room with 6 to 12 air exchanges per hour: Negative air pressure rooms are designed to contain airborne pathogens by preventing contaminated air from escaping the room. Diseases such as tuberculosis or measles require this level of isolation. However, influenza spreads through droplets that settle quickly rather than remaining airborne, making negative air pressure rooms unnecessary for influenza isolation.
C) Ensure all air in the client's room is filtered through a HEPA filter: HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are used to trap airborne particles. For influenza, which is spread by larger respiratory droplets, such filtration is not needed. The droplets are too large to remain suspended in the air and are typically spread through close contact, rather than requiring air filtration.
D) Wear a surgical mask when within 1 m (3 ft) of the client: This is the most appropriate precaution. Influenza is primarily spread through respiratory droplets that can travel about 1 meter (3 feet) when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Wearing a surgical mask within this distance helps prevent inhaling these droplets, thus reducing the risk of transmission. This aligns with droplet precautions which are standard for managing influenza.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Provide detailed directions for the client's expected behavioral changes
Giving detailed directions may overwhelm the client, increasing anxiety. It's more effective to offer support and simple, clear guidance to reduce stress.
B) Request the client write down an evaluation of personal strengths
Encouraging the client to focus on personal strengths can boost self-esteem and resilience, helping them cope with anxiety by promoting a positive self-image and reinforcing their ability to manage stress.
C) List alternative interpretations of the client's illogical thinking
While reframing thoughts can be helpful, this approach might be too confrontational initially. It's important to build trust and allow the client to explore thoughts at their own pace.
D) Encourage the client to participate in group recreational activities to help concentration
While recreational activities can be beneficial, they may not directly address anxiety management. Individual reflection on strengths can be a more immediate way to enhance coping skills.
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