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?

Choice A rationale:

Research consistently shows that individuals who have a history of violent behavior are at a higher risk of engaging in future violent acts. This is a significant predictor because past behavior is often indicative of future behavior. Individuals with a history of violence may have difficulty managing anger, frustration, or stress, making them more prone to aggressive tendencies in various situations.

Choice B rationale:

Experiencing delusions refers to having false beliefs that are firmly held despite evidence to the contrary. While delusions can lead to erratic behavior, not all individuals experiencing delusions will become violent. The presence of delusions alone is not as strong a predictor of future violence as a documented history of violent behavior.

Choice C rationale:

While statistical data may indicate that males are more commonly involved in violent crimes, it is important to note that gender alone is not a reliable predictor of an individual's likelihood to become violent. Many males never engage in violent behavior, and focusing solely on gender overlooks crucial individual factors that contribute to violent tendencies.

Choice D rationale:

Having a history of being in prison suggests past involvement in criminal activities, but it does not directly predict future violent behavior. Some individuals may have been incarcerated for non-violent offenses or may have undergone rehabilitation, reducing their propensity for violence. Therefore, this choice is not as strong a predictor as previous violent behavior.

Choice A rationale:

Diazepam (Valium) is not the correct choice in this situation. Diazepam is a sedative and muscle relaxant but would not address the respiratory depression caused by hydromorphone. The client's respiratory rate of 10/min indicates a potential opioid overdose, and the appropriate intervention is to administer naloxone to reverse the opioid effects.

Choice B rationale:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is not the correct choice in this scenario. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer but would not address the respiratory depression caused by hydromorphone. The priority is to address the respiratory depression promptly with naloxone.

Choice C rationale:

Ibuprofen (Advil) is not the correct choice in this situation. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain and inflammation but is not appropriate for reversing opioid-induced respiratory depression. Naloxone is the drug of choice to reverse opioid overdose in this case.

Choice D rationale:

Naloxone (Narcan) is the correct choice. Naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose, including respiratory depression. Given the client's low respiratory rate, naloxone should be administered promptly to counteract the effects of hydromorphone. This is the most appropriate and potentially life-saving intervention for this client.