An inpatient on the psychiatric unit is having a panic attack. An appropriate nursing intervention at this time would be to:

Increase external stimuli.

Stay with the client and speak to them in a calm manner.

Allow the client to have their requested space.

Review the updated problem list with the client.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A Reason:

Increase external stimuli.

Increasing external stimuli is not appropriate during a panic attack. Panic attacks are characterized by intense fear and anxiety, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath. Increasing external stimuli can exacerbate these symptoms and heighten the client’s distress. The goal during a panic attack is to reduce stimuli and create a calming environment to help the client regain control.

Choice B Reason:

Stay with the client and speak to them in a calm manner.

This is the correct response. Staying with the client and speaking to them in a calm manner provides reassurance and helps to ground them during the panic attack. The presence of a calm and supportive nurse can help reduce the client’s anxiety and provide a sense of safety. This approach aligns with therapeutic communication techniques and is effective in managing acute anxiety episodes.

Choice C Reason:

Allow the client to have their requested space.

While it is important to respect a client’s need for space, leaving them alone during a panic attack may not be the best approach. Clients experiencing panic attacks may feel overwhelmed and frightened, and the presence of a supportive nurse can help them feel safer and more secure. It is important to balance the client’s need for space with the need for support and reassurance.

Choice D Reason:

Review the updated problem list with the client.

Reviewing the updated problem list is not appropriate during a panic attack. This action requires cognitive engagement and focus, which the client may not be capable of during an acute anxiety episode. The priority during a panic attack is to help the client calm down and manage their immediate symptoms, not to discuss or review problems.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Administer the medication with food.

Administering clonazepam with food can help reduce gastrointestinal discomfort, but it is not the most critical consideration. While it is beneficial to minimize potential side effects like nausea, it does not address the primary safety concerns associated with clonazepam use.

Choice B Reason:

Administer the medication to the client at night to avoid daytime sedation.

Administering clonazepam at night can help avoid daytime sedation, which is a common side effect of benzodiazepines. However, this is not the most critical safety concern. While managing sedation is important, it does not address the potential for more serious interactions and risks.

Choice C Reason:

Encourage the client to avoid drinking alcohol when taking this medication.

This is the correct response. Alcohol can significantly increase the sedative effects of clonazepam, leading to dangerous levels of sedation, respiratory depression, and even death. It is crucial to educate clients about the risks of combining alcohol with benzodiazepines to prevent potentially life-threatening interactions.

Choice D Reason:

Assess for history of smoking.

While assessing for a history of smoking is part of a comprehensive health assessment, it is not the most critical consideration when administering clonazepam. Smoking does not have the same immediate and severe interaction risks with clonazepam as alcohol does.

A. Assess regularly for self-harm during treatment. B. Allow for unlimited discussion on physical symptoms. C. Discuss alternative coping strategies with the client. D. Encourage alone time for the client in seclusion.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason: Assess regularly for self-harm during treatment

Regular assessment for self-harm is crucial in any psychiatric care plan, especially for clients with conversion disorder who may experience significant distress. However, this action alone does not address the underlying issues or provide the client with tools to manage their symptoms. Continuous monitoring is important, but it should be part of a broader, more comprehensive care plan.

Choice B Reason: Allow for unlimited discussion on physical symptoms

While it is important to validate the client’s experiences and provide a space for them to discuss their symptoms, allowing unlimited discussion can sometimes reinforce the symptoms and lead to increased focus on physical complaints. This approach may not be beneficial in the long term and can detract from addressing the psychological aspects of the disorder.

Choice C Reason: Discuss alternative coping strategies with the client

This is the correct answer. Discussing alternative coping strategies helps the client develop skills to manage their symptoms more effectively. Techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation exercises, and stress management can be very beneficial. These strategies empower the client to handle stress and reduce the impact of their symptoms. Providing education on coping mechanisms is a proactive approach that can lead to better outcomes.

Choice D Reason: Encourage alone time for the client in seclusion

Encouraging alone time in seclusion is generally not recommended for clients with conversion disorder. Seclusion can increase feelings of isolation and distress, potentially exacerbating symptoms. Instead, supportive and interactive interventions are preferred to help the client feel connected and understood.

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An inpatient on the psychiatric unit is having a panic attack. An appropriate nursing intervention at this time would be to:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client diagnosed with Illness Anxiety Disorder is prescribed clonazepam for underlying anxiety. Of the following, which is of utmost importance when caring for this client?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is diagnosed with Functional Neurologic Symptom Disorder (conversion disorder). What action should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client is diagnosed with schizophrenia. The nurse would interpret which behavior as apathy? The client is:

A client diagnosed with major neurocognitive disorder is exhibiting behavioral problems. At the change of shift, the client’s behavior escalates from pacing in the hallway to screaming and waving their arms while on the ground. Which of the following represents a priority for the nurse?

A client was recently diagnosed with mild Alzheimer’s disease. Which of the statements shared by the client’s child about their risk for Alzheimer’s disease indicates the need for re-teaching? (Select all that apply.)

An IV infusion of 125 mL of a GI prokinetic agent is ordered to be given over 1 hour. The nurse will use a microdrip infusion set (60 gtts/mL). How many drops per minute will the drug infuse at the proper rate? Use a preceding zero if necessary. Do not use trailing zeros.

The nurse calculates that a patient must receive 1.3 mL of an anti-infective agent. The dose is ordered IM. Which of the following choices demonstrates safe, evidence-based practice?

A nurse working on a psychiatric unit is providing care for a client that reports feeling irritable and distressed. The client states, “I just feel so helpless.” Which of the following statements most aligns with the client’s presentation of neurotic behavior?

During a morning group meeting, a client raises concern that they cannot sleep at night due to the noises coming from the nurse’s station. The nurse in the meeting interrupts and states, “I’ll handle this matter. Let’s move on.” The nurse is demonstrating which type of leadership style?