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 A
Explanation
A. The client's symptoms, including a laterally contracted position and perception of body contortion, suggest acute dystonia, a known side effect of antipsychotic medications like risperidone. Administering an anticholinergic such as benztropine can help alleviate these symptoms.
B. Offering a hot pack for muscle spasms may provide some relief for generalized muscle discomfort but would not specifically address the dystonic reaction.
C. Directing the client to occupational therapy may be beneficial for overall treatment but does not address the immediate need to alleviate acute dystonic symptoms.
D. Thioridazine is an antipsychotic medication but is not typically used as a first-line treatment for acute dystonia. Administering benztropine, an anticholinergic, would be more appropriate for dystonia associated with risperidone use.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Episodic intervals of pruritus (itching) may suggest a dermatological condition or irritation of the scalp, but they do not directly indicate that the hair loss is not disease-related.
B. Erythema (redness) of the localized lesions may suggest inflammation or irritation but does not necessarily indicate that the hair loss is not disease-related.
C. Ecchymotic blood accumulations (bruising) suggest trauma or repeated pulling at the hair, which is not typically associated with disease-related causes. This finding can indicate a behavioral issue, such as trichotillomania (a compulsive hair-pulling disorder), where physical damage to the scalp can result in bruising and bald patches. The presence of ecchymosis supports a mechanical, non-disease-related cause of hair loss.
D. Evidence of patches of lost hair alone does not confirm whether the hair loss is disease-related or non-disease-related. Patches of hair loss can occur with both behavioral conditions (e.g., trichotillomania) and diseases (e.g., alopecia areata, fungal infections).
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