The nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing extreme sadness after the passing of a companion of 30 years. The client describes not being able to think of other things and finds it difficult to control emotions. Which action should the nurse take first?

Explore changes in life that have occurred after the loss.

Suggest the need for a psychiatric consultation.

Offer a referral to pastoral counseling.

Encourage attending a local support group.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:
Exploring changes in life that have occurred after the loss is the first action the nurse should take. This allows the nurse to assess the client's grief, identify specific stressors, and understand how the loss is impacting the client's daily life and emotional well-being. It provides valuable information for tailoring further interventions and support.

Choice B rationale:
Suggesting the need for a psychiatric consultation may be premature as the nurse should first assess the client's grief and coping mechanisms. Referral for psychiatric consultation should be considered if the client's emotional distress is severe, persistent, or significantly impacting their functioning.

Choice C rationale:
Offering a referral to pastoral counseling may be appropriate for some clients, but it should not be the first action. The nurse should assess the client's needs and preferences before making such a referral.

Choice D rationale:
Encouraging attendance at a local support group can be beneficial, but it should not be the initial step. The nurse should first assess the client's current emotional state and needs to determine the most appropriate interventions.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. "Ask the client why she checks the locks."
Asking "why" questions may put the client on the defensive and does not effectively address the compulsive behavior. Clients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often do not have a logical explanation for their compulsions.

B. "Determine the type and size of the locks."
This action does not address the client’s compulsive behavior and is not relevant to the nursing intervention. The focus should be on reducing the compulsive behavior rather than assessing the locks themselves.

C. "Discuss checking the time frequently."
This response does not directly address the client’s compulsive checking behavior. Instead, structured interventions that promote time management and coping strategies should be implemented.

D. "Plan a list of activities to be carried out daily."
Providing a structured daily schedule can help redirect the client’s focus away from compulsive behaviors and toward productive activities. A schedule can reduce anxiety and limit the time available for compulsions, promoting better functioning.

A. Provide a supportive, structured environment for meals. B. Assess weight, vital signs, potassium, and other electrolytes. C. Discuss alternative strategies for binging and purging. D. Monitor the client after meals for possible vomiting.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
Providing a supportive, structured environment for meals is an important aspect of the overall care plan for individuals with bulimia. However, it should not be the first intervention when a client is admitted with potential physical complications. Addressing the client's physical condition and safety is the initial priority.

Choice B rationale:
This is the correct initial intervention. Bulimia can lead to severe medical complications, including electrolyte imbalances, which can be life-threatening. Assessing the client's weight, vital signs, and electrolyte levels is crucial to determine the severity of physical issues and guide appropriate medical interventions.

Choice C rationale:
Discussing alternative strategies for binging and purging is an important aspect of treatment for bulimia, but it should follow the initial assessment of the client's physical condition. Addressing the client's medical needs takes precedence over discussing alternatives.

Choice D rationale:
While monitoring the client for possible vomiting is important in the care of individuals with bulimia, it should not be the first intervention when the client is admitted. Assessing the client's physical status and addressing potential medical complications should come before monitoring for specific behaviors.

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The nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing extreme sadness after the passing of a companion of 30 years. The client describes not being able to think of other things and finds it difficult to control emotions. Which action should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A female client engages in repeated checks of door and window locks and behavior that prevents her from arriving on time and interfering with her ability to function effectively. Which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A female client with bulimia is admitted to the mental health unit after she disclosed to a friend that she purges after meals. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is assessing a client who reports using cocaine several times in the past week. Which observations should the nurse expect on assessment?

The nurse is using the CAGE questionnaire as a screening tool for a client who is seeking help because his wife said he had a drinking problem. Which information should the nurse explore in-depth with the client based on this screening tool?

Prior to initiating a treatment regimen with the antidepressant sertraline, it is most important for the nurse to obtain which information?

The nurse is providing dietary instructions for a client who is being discharged after passing a calcium oxalate renal stone. Which food should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?

A client with depression does not want to communicate with friends, uses television watching as a means of escaping responsibilities, and describes the inability to handle personal circumstances. Which coping strategy should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Patient Data Exhibits The nurse determines the plan of care. For each action, click to indicate whether they would be included or not included in the plan of care for the client. Each row must have only one response option selected. Actions

When the nurse addresses questions to an adult female client who is depressed, the client's responses are delayed. Which intervention should the nurse include in this client's plan of care?