A client diagnosed with brief psychotic disorder tells a nurse about voices telling him to kill the president. Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse prioritize for this client?
Disturbed sensory perception
Risk for violence: directed toward others
Altered thought processes
Risk for injury
The Correct Answer is B
A. Disturbed sensory perception: While the client is experiencing disturbed sensory perception (auditory hallucinations), the priority is to address the potential harm to others, which is better captured by the "Risk for violence: directed toward others" diagnosis.
B. Risk for violence: directed toward others: This diagnosis is the priority in this situation because the client is expressing homicidal thoughts directed toward a specific target (the president). Ensuring the safety of the client and others is the primary concern.
C. Altered thought processes: Altered thought processes may be evident in psychotic disorders, but the immediate concern is the risk of violence. Addressing altered thought processes would be part of the overall care plan, but it may not be the immediate priority in this case.
D. Risk for injury: While the client may be at risk for injury, the specific concern mentioned by the client is the potential harm to others (the president). Therefore, the "Risk for violence: directed toward others" diagnosis takes precedence.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Falling asleep in the chair and refusing to eat lunch is not indicative of tardive dyskinesia (TD). TD is characterized by involuntary movements, not by changes in sleep patterns or appetite.
B. Correct. Grimacing and lip smacking are characteristic movements associated with tardive dyskinesia. TD is a side effect of long-term use of typical antipsychotic medications, and it involves involuntary, repetitive movements, often involving the face and mouth.
C. Incorrect. Excessive salivation and drooling are not specific to tardive dyskinesia. These symptoms may occur due to various reasons, and TD is primarily associated with abnormal, involuntary movements.
D. Incorrect. Experiencing muscle rigidity and tremors is more characteristic of other side effects or conditions, such as extrapyramidal symptoms, but it is not specific to tardive dyskinesia. TD typically involves repetitive, involuntary movements rather than tremors.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "I will take Lithobid on an empty stomach": This statement is incorrect. Lithobid is usually taken with meals or right after meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Taking it on an empty stomach may lead to increased side effects.
B. "I will maintain normal salt intake": This statement is correct. Lithium levels in the blood can be influenced by sodium levels. Maintaining a consistent and normal salt intake is important for the proper functioning of lithium in the body. Both low and high sodium levels can affect lithium levels.
C. "I will consume more fluids": This statement is generally correct. Adequate fluid intake is important to prevent dehydration, as lithium is excreted by the kidneys. However, it should be balanced, and excessive fluid intake should be avoided to prevent lithium toxicity.
D. "I will limit my intake of fluids daily": This statement is incorrect. While fluid intake should be monitored and maintained at a reasonable level, restricting fluids too much can lead to dehydration and an increased risk of lithium toxicity.
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