A nurse would expect to administer which of the following medications to a client who is escalating to the point of a possible assault?

Choice A Reason:

Confirming boundaries by setting limits on behavior.

This response is correct because it directly addresses the need to set clear boundaries with the client. In a psychiatric setting, it is crucial to establish and maintain professional boundaries to ensure a therapeutic environment. By limiting the client’s approach to the nurse’s station, the nurse is setting a clear boundary that helps manage the client’s behavior and ensures that the nurse can attend to other patients as well. This intervention helps in maintaining structure and predictability, which can be very beneficial for clients with psychiatric conditions.

Choice B Reason:

Providing reality orientation.

Providing reality orientation involves helping clients understand their surroundings and current situation, often used for clients with cognitive impairments or disorientation. While important, this intervention does not specifically address the behavior of frequently approaching the nurse’s station. Reality orientation would be more relevant in cases where the client is confused about time, place, or person.

Choice C Reason:

Providing client education in a direct manner.

Providing client education is essential, but it does not directly relate to setting behavioral limits. Education might involve explaining the reasons behind certain rules or treatments, but it does not address the immediate need to manage the client’s frequent requests. The intervention described in the question is more about behavior management than education.

Choice D Reason:

Ensuring physical need fulfillment.

Ensuring physical need fulfillment involves addressing the client’s basic needs such as food, hydration, and comfort. While this is a fundamental aspect of nursing care, it does not relate to setting behavioral limits or managing the frequency of the client’s requests. The intervention in the question is focused on managing behavior rather than fulfilling physical needs.

The correct answer is d.

Choice A Reason:

The statement “Bureaucratic” is incorrect. Bureaucratic leadership is characterized by strict adherence to rules and procedures, with decisions made based on established policies. While this style ensures consistency and compliance, it does not typically involve the direct and decisive intervention seen in the scenario described. Bureaucratic leaders focus more on following protocols rather than making quick, authoritative decisions.

Choice B Reason:

The statement “Laissez-Faire” is incorrect. Laissez-Faire leadership is a hands-off approach where leaders provide minimal direction and allow team members to make their own decisions. This style is the opposite of what is demonstrated in the scenario, where the nurse takes immediate control of the situation. Laissez-Faire leaders typically avoid intervening directly and prefer to let issues resolve themselves.

Choice C Reason:

The statement “Democratic” is incorrect. Democratic leadership involves participative decision-making, where leaders seek input and feedback from team members before making decisions. In the scenario, the nurse does not seek input from the group but instead makes a unilateral decision to handle the matter and move on. This approach is not characteristic of democratic leadership, which values collaboration and consensus.

Choice D Reason:

The statement “Autocratic” is correct. Autocratic leadership is characterized by individual control over decisions, with little input from group members. The nurse’s behavior in the scenario—taking charge of the situation and making a quick decision without consulting the group—is indicative of an autocratic leadership style. Autocratic leaders are decisive and often make decisions independently, focusing on efficiency and control.