The nurse is working with an adolescent client that is argumentative with staff and peers on the behavioral health unit. Which therapeutic response will be most beneficial for the client to decrease acting out behavior?

“If your behavior continues, we have no choice but to place you in seclusion."

"You have to take this medication to settle you down and stop your behavior."

“I don't know what set you off today but you have to get along with others."

“Let’s go to a quiet area and talk about what is upsetting you."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Explanation: This response demonstrates the use of therapeutic communication, specifically offering the client an opportunity to express their feelings and concerns in a non-confrontational manner. By suggesting a private and quiet area to talk to, the nurse provides a safe and supportive environment for the client to explore and process their emotions. This approach can help the client feel heard, validated, and understood, which may reduce their need to act out or engage in argumentative behaviors to express their feelings.

The other responses are not as effective or therapeutic:

A. Threatening the client with seclusion is an aggressive approach and may escalate the client's behavior or cause them to feel cornered and defensive, leading to further acting out.

B. Telling the client they have to take medication to stop their behavior does not address the underlying issues that may be causing their behavior. It can also come across as dismissive of the client's feelings and concerns.

C. Saying "I don't know what set you off today but you have to get along with others" may be perceived as dismissive and does not offer the client an opportunity to express their emotions or address their concerns.

In summary, offering a private space to talk and explore the client's feelings in a non-judgmental and supportive manner is the most beneficial therapeutic response to help the adolescent client decrease acting out behaviors and promote positive communication and coping skills.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The potential issue that the nursing staff and hospital may have to defend against in this scenario is A. "malpractice."

Explanation: Malpractice refers to a legal claim that can be made against healthcare professionals, including nurses and hospitals, when they fail to provide the standard of care expected in their profession, resulting in harm or injury to a patient. In this case, the lack of documentation that the client was assessed every hour as prescribed can be seen as a failure to meet the standard of care for a client with depression, especially one at risk for self-harm or suicide. If the client attempted suicide in the bathroom and sustained an injury, it could be argued that the lack of proper assessment and monitoring contributed to the client's harm, and this failure to provide appropriate care might be considered malpractice.

The other options, "battery," "false imprisonment," and "assault," do not directly relate to the situation described in the scenario:

B- Battery refers to the intentional harmful or offensive contact with a person without their consent. There is no indication that this occurred in the scenario.

C- False imprisonment refers to the unlawful restraint or restriction of a person's freedom of movement without proper justification. There is no indication of false imprisonment in the scenario.

D- Assault refers to the intentional act of threatening or causing fear of harm to another person. While the client did sustain an injury, there is no indication that it was due to an intentional act of assault in this scenario.

In summary, the potential issue of malpractice arises from the failure to properly assess and monitor a client at risk for self-harm, resulting in harm to the client. The nursing staff and hospital may have to defend against this claim if it is determined that they did not meet the standard of care expected in such a situation.

A. "You may be in more physical danger after you leave them." B. "Batterers never change, so it would be best for you to leave." C. "If you leave, maybe your partner will see that they have to change their behavior." D. "If you don't leave. your partner will think you're going to continue to endure the abuse."

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

This response is the most supportive and empowering for the client. It acknowledges the client's agency in making decisions about their own life and relationship. It also conveys hope that leaving the abusive relationship may prompt the partner to realize the need to change their behavior. It does not impose judgment or make assumptions about the outcome, but instead, it recognizes the client's strength and potential for positive change.

Option A may instill fear and discourage the client from taking action to protect themselves.

option B generalizes that all batterers never change, which may not be true for all situations and individuals.

Option D may imply a threat or ultimatum, which is not appropriate and can be disempowering for the client. The most important aspect of supporting someone in an abusive relationship is to provide a non-judgmental, understanding, and empowering environment where they can explore their options and make decisions that are best for their safety and well-being.

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The nurse is working with an adolescent client that is argumentative with staff and peers on the behavioral health unit. Which therapeutic response will be most beneficial for the client to decrease acting out behavior?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with depression is found to have attempted suicide in the bathroom and sustained injury. There is no documentation that the client was assessed every hour as prescribed. Which issue will the nursing staff and hospital potentially have to defend against?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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