A charge nurse is teaching new staff members about factors that increase a client’s risk to become violent.

Which of the following risk factors should the nurse include as the best predictor of future violence?

The correct answer is choice B. Fish. Fish is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and prevent blood clots. Fish is also low in sodium, which is important for people with hypertension, as excess sodium can raise blood pressure by retaining fluid in the body. Fish is part of the DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and is a healthy eating plan that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, nuts, seeds, legumes, and lean meats.

Choice A. Cheese is wrong because cheese is high in sodium and saturated fat, which can increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Cheese should be limited or avoided by people with hypertension.

Choice C. Red meat is wrong because red meat is also high in sodium and saturated fat, as well as cholesterol, which can contribute to hypertension and heart disease.

Red meat should be eaten sparingly or replaced by leaner sources of protein like fish, poultry, or beans.

Choice D. Canned black beans are wrong because canned black beans are high in sodium, as most canned foods are preserved with salt. Canned black beans should be rinsed well before eating or replaced by dried or cooked black beans, which are lower in sodium and high in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which are beneficial for blood pressure control.

Hyperthermia is a condition in which the body temperature is abnormally high, usually due to exposure to heat, infection, or certain medications.

Hyperthermia can cause neurological complications, such as seizures, confusion, or coma. Therefore, the nurse should initiate seizure precautions for an adolescent who has hyperthermia to prevent injury and protect the airway.

Choice A is wrong because covering the adolescent with a thermal blanket would increase the body temperature and worsen hyperthermia. The nurse should remove excess clothing and use cooling measures, such as fans, ice packs, or cool fluids.

Choice B is wrong because submerging the adolescent’s feet in ice water would cause vasoconstriction and shivering, which would reduce heat loss and increase heat production. The nurse should avoid using extreme cold or ice water to cool the body.

Choice D is wrong because administering oral acetaminophen would not be effective for hyperthermia caused by non-infectious factors, such as heat exposure or medications.

Acetaminophen lowers the body temperature by reducing the hypothalamic set point, which is not altered in hyperthermia. Additionally, oral medications may be difficult to swallow or absorb in a hyperthermic patient.

Normal body temperature ranges from 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F). Hyperthermia is defined as a body temperature above 38.5°C (101.3°F).