A patient is prescribed morphine sulfate 5 mg IV every 4 hours as needed for a pain level greater than 7 on a scale of 0-10. Morphine is available in 8 mg/mL vials. How many mL will the nurse give for the correct dose?

Round to the nearest hundredth. Use a preceding zero if necessary. Do not use trailing zeros.

Choice A Reason:

Recognizing signs of escalating anxiety is a crucial skill for clients with GAD. This awareness allows them to identify early warning signs and implement coping strategies before anxiety becomes overwhelming. Early recognition can prevent the escalation of symptoms and reduce the impact on daily functioning. This skill is often developed through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic interventions that focus on self-awareness and self-monitoring.

Choice B Reason:

Avoiding all situations that cause stress is not a practical or effective strategy for managing GAD. While it is important to reduce unnecessary stress, complete avoidance can lead to increased anxiety and avoidance behaviors, which can worsen the disorde. Instead, clients are encouraged to develop coping strategies to manage stress and face anxiety-provoking situations gradually5. This approach helps build resilience and reduces the overall impact of anxiety on their lives.

Choice C Reason:

Recognizing the need to take medications as ordered is essential for effective management of GAD. Medication adherence ensures that the client maintains therapeutic levels of medication, which can help control symptoms and prevent relapse. Non-adherence to medication regimens is a common issue in mental health treatment and can lead to worsening symptoms and increased risk of hospitalization. Therefore, understanding and adhering to prescribed medications is a key component of effective care.

Choice D Reason:

Utilizing relaxation techniques to limit anxiety is a highly effective strategy for managing GAD. Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness can help reduce physiological arousal and promote a sense of calm. These techniques are often taught in therapy and can be practiced regularly to help manage anxiety symptoms. Incorporating relaxation techniques into daily routines can significantly improve the client’s ability to cope with stress and anxiety.

Choice E Reason:

Discussing plans to handle panic attacks if they occur is an important aspect of managing GAD. Having a clear plan in place can help the client feel more in control and reduce the fear of experiencing a panic attack. This plan may include strategies such as deep breathing, grounding techniques, and seeking support from trusted individuals. By preparing for potential panic attacks, clients can reduce their overall anxiety and improve their ability to manage symptoms effectively.

Choice A Reason:

“This is a difficult transition. Let’s formulate a plan to keep you feeling safe.”

This response is the most supportive because it acknowledges the client’s feelings and offers a proactive solution. By recognizing the difficulty of the transition and suggesting a plan to ensure the client’s safety, the nurse provides reassurance and practical support. This approach helps to build trust and shows empathy, which is crucial in a therapeutic relationship.

Choice B Reason:

“It’s the policy that patients can only live here for 30 days. Let’s try to extend it.”

While this response acknowledges the client’s fear, it focuses on policy rather than addressing the client’s immediate emotional needs. Extending the stay might not be feasible or beneficial in the long term. The primary goal should be to empower the client to feel safe and supported outside the facility.

Choice C Reason:

“You’ve had a month to come up with a plan to work on your well-being.”

This response can come across as dismissive and unsupportive. It implies that the client should have already resolved their fears, which may increase their anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. The focus should be on providing immediate support and reassurance rather than criticizing the client’s progress.

Choice D Reason:

“Hopefully you learned from being in counseling. I’m sure this will work out fine.”

This response is overly optimistic and does not address the client’s current fears. It provides false reassurance without offering any concrete support or solutions. The client needs to feel heard and supported, not just reassured that everything will be fine.