A nurse on an acute care mental health unit is caring for a client who has generalized anxiety disorder. The client received an upsetting telephone call and is now rapidly pacing the corridors of the unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Allow the client to pace alone until physically tired.
Walk with the client at a gradually slowing pace.
Ask a small group of other clients to walk with the client.
Calmly instruct the client to stop pacing and sit in the dayroom.
The Correct Answer is B
The nurse should walk with the client at a gradually slowing pace when caring for a client with a generalized anxiety disorder who is rapidly pacing the corridors of the unit. This intervention provides the client with support and helps to prevent the client from becoming overwhelmed or getting injured. Allowing the client to pace alone until physically tired.
choice A can increase the sense of isolation and anxiety. Asking a small group of other clients to walk with the client.
choice C may be inappropriate or even harmful in some cases. Calmly instructing the client to stop pacing and sit in the dayroom.
choice D can be perceived by the client as dismissive and may escalate the anxiety level. The nurse should work with the client and their family to develop an individualized plan of care that meets the client's needs and goals.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
"I know you will do well living out in the community.". When a client expresses feelings of gratitude towards a nurse as they are about to be discharged, they are mostly affirming the therapeutic relationship between both parties. The nurse should acknowledge this affirmation clearly, warmly, and humbly, while encouraging the client's progress and independence. Choice D, "I know you will do well living out in the community" acknowledges the client's progress and offers encouragement.
Choice A, "Aren't you excited about being discharged today?" is a closed question that does not encourage the client's progress.
Choice B, "How do you feel about being discharged?" is not the best response because it is too broad.
Choice C, "I will send you a note in a few weeks" does not offer affirmation and encouragement to the client.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Accompany the client when ambulating. The nurse’s priority when caring for a client with alcohol use disorder and who is experiencing withdrawal symptoms is to prevent harm to the client. Physiologic manifestations of alcohol withdrawal syndrome include seizures, delirium tremens (DTs), and hallucinations. Therefore, ensuring the client’s safety is of the utmost importance. Accompanying the client when ambulating is the priority intervention as alcohol withdrawal may lead to ataxia, weakness, and dizziness which may lead to falls.
Choice A, placing the client in a private room, does not address the client’s physical needs.
Choice B, determining the client's level of disorientation, is something necessary to assess but not the priority.
Choice C, padding the side rails of the bed with towels, is not the priority intervention, and contributes little to the prevention of falls.
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