An adolescent who was arrested a month ago for gang-related activities has a court order to attend weekly group therapy sessions at the mental health clinic. Today the adolescent's mother calls the clinic nurse to report that her child became angry last night and put a fist through a window. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
Reinforce the need for the adolescent to attend group therapy sessions.
Tell the mother to describe her feelings of helplessness to her child.
Advise the mother to call the police if violent behavior occurs again.
Refer the mother for psychiatric evaluation for anxiety and depression.
The Correct Answer is C
A. While reinforcing the need for group therapy sessions is important, it does not address the immediate safety concerns associated with violent behavior. Therapy is a long-term solution, but immediate action is necessary to prevent harm.
B. Telling the mother to describe her feelings of helplessness to the adolescent is not appropriate. It may increase the adolescent's frustration or aggression, rather than de-escalating the situation.
C. Advising the mother to call the police if violent behavior occurs again is the most important intervention. Violent actions, such as putting a fist through a window, indicate a risk for harm to self or others, and law enforcement intervention may be needed to ensure safety.
D. Referring the mother for psychiatric evaluation may be helpful if she is experiencing anxiety or depression, but it does not address the immediate concern of the adolescent's violent behavior.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. While participation in therapy is important, the primary focus should be on equipping the client with effective coping strategies to manage her anxiety.
B. This outcome directly addresses the client's maladaptive coping mechanism (scratching her wrists) by aiming to replace it with healthier coping strategies.
C. Learning relaxation techniques is beneficial, but it may not address the underlying issue of maladaptive coping behaviors like wrist scratching.
D. Taking antianxiety medications as prescribed is important for managing symptoms, but it does not directly address the client's maladaptive coping behavior or teach alternative coping strategies.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While it's important for the client to explore the source of their anxiety, this may not be the most appropriate intervention during a group therapy session where immediate relief is needed.
B. Providing education about coping mechanisms is valuable, but it may not address the client's immediate needs for anxiety reduction in the group setting.
C. Assisting the client with relaxation techniques in the group is the best intervention as it provides immediate support and can help alleviate the client's anxiety in the moment.
D. Escorting the client from the group to reduce stimuli may be appropriate if the anxiety becomes overwhelming, but it should be considered after attempting relaxation techniques within the group setting.
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