During admission to the psychiatric unit, a female client is extremely anxious and expresses that she is worried about the sun coming up the next day. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement during the admission process?
Ask the client why she is so anxious.
Administer a PRN sedative to help relieve anxiety.
Assist the client in developing alternative coping skills.
Remain calm and use a matter-of-fact approach.
The Correct Answer is D
A) Asking the client why she is so anxious might seem like a valid approach to understand her feelings; however, at this moment, she may not be able to articulate her anxiety effectively. Instead of exploring the reasons for her anxiety right away, it's more important to provide immediate support.
B) Administering a PRN sedative can provide temporary relief for severe anxiety, but it should not be the first line of intervention during the admission process. Pharmacological intervention is important, but establishing a therapeutic relationship and using non-pharmacological approaches can be equally or more effective in the long term.
C) Assisting the client in developing alternative coping skills is a valuable intervention, but it may not be appropriate to initiate this process immediately during the admission phase when the client is experiencing acute anxiety. The client needs first to feel safe and stabilized.
D) Remaining calm and using a matter-of-fact approach is the most important intervention during the admission process. This approach helps create a safe environment and reassures the client. By modeling calmness, the nurse can help reduce the client’s anxiety levels and foster a sense of security, allowing for better engagement and assessment.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Staying quietly with the client is the best approach in this situation. By remaining present and calm, the nurse can provide a sense of safety and support. This non-confrontational presence may help the client feel more secure and reduce her agitation over time.
B) Telling the client that she is out of control may escalate her frustration and feelings of being judged. This could worsen the situation rather than help it, as it does not offer any constructive feedback or support.
C) Ignoring the client's acting out behavior is not appropriate. Acknowledging her feelings and providing support is essential, even if her behavior is challenging. Ignoring her could lead to further escalation and feelings of isolation.
D) Distracting her by offering finger foods could be an effective strategy if the client is calm enough to engage in that activity. However, if she is currently shouting and screaming, she may not be receptive to distraction techniques. Addressing her emotional state first is more critical.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Returning at a later time to talk might seem considerate, but it may miss the opportunity to engage with the client in the moment. The client may benefit from having the nurse's presence and support, even if they are slow to respond.
B) Asking a different question could disrupt the process and prevent the client from expressing their feelings. It’s important to allow the client the space to answer the original question rather than shifting topics prematurely.
C) Waiting for the client to respond is the best action. This approach demonstrates patience and respect for the client's current state. By allowing time for a response, the nurse can create a supportive environment, which may help the client feel more comfortable opening up when they are ready.
D) Asking if the client heard the question might feel like an interruption or could add pressure, making the client more anxious. It’s better to give the client space to process and respond without feeling judged or rushed.
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