A nurse working in an outpatient mental health facility is caring for a client who has anxiety and was discharged from an inpatient mental health facility one week ago.

Exhibits

A nurse in an outpatient mental health facility is assessing a client who has anxiety. Click to highlight the findings in the Nurses’ Notes that indicate an improvement in the client’s condition. To deselect, click on the finding again.

The client appears to be well-groomed.

The client’s current weight is 54 kg (119 lb.).

The client states they are sleeping 5 to 6 hours per night, but having an occasional nightmare.

The client verbalizes a decreased appetite and gastrointestinal discomfort.

The client states, “I feel anxious about leaving my house. I feel like everyone is staring at me and judging me.”

The client verbalizes that bullying experienced during high school has led to anxiety.

The client engages in thought-stopping behavioral therapy and cognitive restructuring.

The client reports taking escitalopram 20 mg daily, 2 hours after breakfast.

Choice A Reason: The belief that a partner will not be violent in the future can be a form of denial or wishful thinking, especially without any evidence of change or intervention. It is not uncommon for individuals in abusive relationships to hope for change, but without concrete actions, such as therapy or other interventions, this hope does not indicate an improvement in the client’s situation.

Choice B Reason: Agreeing to an appointment with a social worker is a positive step towards addressing the situation and seeking help. Social workers can provide support, resources, and guidance, which can be crucial for someone experiencing partner violence. This choice indicates a potential improvement in the client’s psychological status as it shows a willingness to engage with support services.

Choice C Reason: A decrease in reported pain levels can indicate physical improvement. Pain scales are subjective but provide a measure of the client’s comfort and can reflect healing or the effectiveness of pain management strategies.

Choice D Reason: Requesting help to develop a safety plan is a proactive step in ensuring personal safety and preparing for potential future incidents of violence. It shows the client’s awareness of the risks and a desire to protect themselves, which is a positive indicator of psychological improvement.

Choice E Reason: While claiming responsibility for the physical altercation may seem negative, it can also be seen as the client’s attempt to make sense of the situation. It is important to note that responsibility for violence lies with the perpetrator, not the victim. However, recognizing the dynamics of the relationship and the events leading up to the violence can be part of the healing process and taking control of one’s life.

Choice A reason: Donepezil is often administered before bedtime to reduce the risk of nausea, which is a common side effect. Taking it at bedtime can also coincide with the body's natural rest period, potentially minimizing the impact of any side effects.

Choice B reason: Alzheimer's disease is a progressive condition, and currently, there is no cure. The provider will not decrease the dose as the disease improves because the disease typically worsens over time. Medication management may change, but it is based on symptom control, not improvement of the disease.

Choice C reason: Donepezil does not stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease. It can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, but it does not cure or halt the disease's progression.

Choice D reason: Donepezil does not decrease the risk of falls. In fact, some of its side effects, such as dizziness, may increase the risk of falls. It is important for caregivers to monitor their partners for such side effects and take precautions to prevent falls.