A nurse in a mental health facility is caring for an adolescent who is newly admitted for an overdose of prescription pain medication.
The client has prescriptions for an anxiolytic and an SSRI antidepressant.
Which of the following precautions should the nurse take?.
Restrict interactions with other clients
Document the client's behavior every 2 hr.
Implement 24-hr one-to-one nursing observation.
Administer prescribed medication via the IM route.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Restricting interactions with other clients may be necessary in some cases, but it’s not the first precaution to take. The nurse must first ensure the client’s safety.
Choice B rationale:
Documenting the client’s behavior every 2 hr is important, but it’s not the first precaution. The nurse must first ensure the client’s safety.
Choice C rationale:
Implementing 24-hr one-to-one nursing observation is the first precaution the nurse should take. This ensures the client’s safety following an overdose.
Choice D rationale:
Administering prescribed medication via the IM route is not a precaution. It’s a method of medication administration.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Obtaining a prescription for haloperidol is not the first intervention the nurse should implement. Medication should be considered only after non-pharmacological interventions have been attempted.
Choice B rationale:
Taking the client to the seclusion room is not the first intervention the nurse should implement. Seclusion should be used only as a last resort when all other interventions have failed and the client is a danger to themselves or others.
Choice C rationale:
Verbally de-escalating the client is the first intervention the nurse should implement. This involves using calm, clear communication to help the client regain control of their emotions.
Choice D rationale:
Placing the client in restraints is not the first intervention the nurse should implement. Restraints should be used only as a last resort when all other interventions have failed and the client is a danger to themselves or others.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Using restraints can lead to injury and is generally a last resort.
Choice B rationale:
Placing a lock at the top of doors can prevent the client from wandering outside and getting lost or injured.
Choice C rationale:
Encouraging napping during the day can actually disrupt the client’s sleep cycle and increase nighttime wakefulness.
Choice D rationale:
While medication can be helpful, non-pharmacological interventions should be tried first.
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