A nurse on a mental health unit notices that a client is becoming increasingly agitated and throws a table when he is unable to select the television (TV) channel. Which of the following should be a priority action by the nurse?
Attempt to talk the client down.
Administer a PRN antianxiety medication.
Place the client in a monitored seclusion room until he is calm.
Restrain the client to prevent injury to himself or others.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Attempting to talk the client down is the priority action in this situation. Agitation can escalate to aggression or violence if not addressed appropriately. Engaging in therapeutic communication can help de-escalate the client's agitation, express understanding, and potentially find out the underlying cause of their distress. This approach prioritizes a non-pharmacological intervention.
Choice B rationale:
Administer a PRN antianxiety medication. While medication might be a consideration for managing agitation, it's generally not the first action to take. Non-pharmacological interventions, like therapeutic communication, should be attempted first to minimize the reliance on medications to manage behaviors.
Choice C rationale:
Place the client in a monitored seclusion room until he is calm. Placing a client in seclusion should be a last resort and should only be done when there's an immediate risk of harm to the client or others. In this scenario, the client's agitation doesn't seem to present an imminent danger, so seclusion would be an excessive and restrictive intervention.
Choice D rationale:
Restrain the client to prevent injury to himself or others. Restraint should be an absolute last resort and only used when there's an imminent risk of harm that cannot be managed in any other way. Restraint can escalate agitation and trauma for the client, as well as pose legal and ethical concerns. Therefore, it should only be used when all other options have been exhausted and safety is a critical concern.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
The correct answers are choices B and D: "Offer ideas for ways to distract or redirect the client." and "Educate the spouse about the availability of adult care as a respite."
Choice A rationale:
Suggesting a long-term care facility should not be the first action. Early-stage Alzheimer's clients can often remain at home with proper support, and suggesting institutionalization might not be appropriate at this stage.
Choice B rationale:
This is a correct choice. Engaging the client with Alzheimer's in activities that distract or redirect their focus can be helpful. This approach can alleviate the spouse's concerns and provide some relief from exhaustion.
Choice C rationale:
While discussing dementia care options with the spouse is important, it might not directly address the spouse's current exhaustion and feelings of helplessness.
Choice D rationale:
This is a correct choice. Educating the spouse about adult care options for respite can provide much-needed breaks for the caregiver. Caring for someone with Alzheimer's can be emotionally and physically draining, so respite care can offer temporary relief.
Choice E rationale:
Suggesting anti-anxiety drugs for the spouse is not the best first action. While addressing caregiver stress is important, suggesting medication should come after considering other supportive measures.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania. While mental health issues can certainly be prevalent among the homeless population, bipolar disorder may not be the most prevalent in this context. Homelessness often exposes individuals to harsh living conditions, which might contribute to mood disturbances, but substance addiction is more commonly associated with this population.
Choice B rationale:
Depression is a significant concern among homeless individuals due to the many challenges they face, but substance addiction is generally more prevalent. Substance abuse often becomes a coping mechanism for dealing with the stressors of homelessness, making it a primary concern in this population.
Choice C rationale:
Substance addiction is a critical mental health issue that is highly prevalent among homeless individuals. The stress, trauma, and lack of stable support systems experienced by the homeless population contribute to a higher risk of substance abuse as a way to cope with their circumstances.
Choice D rationale:
Schizophrenia involves a disconnection from reality, including symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. While schizophrenia can certainly affect homeless individuals, substance addiction remains a more widespread concern due to its association with the challenges of homelessness.
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