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 A
Explanation
A. WBC count 3,300/mm³.
Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic medication, is associated with a risk of agranulocytosis, which is a severe reduction in white blood cell (WBC) count. A WBC count of 3,300/mm³ is significantly below the normal range, and it indicates a contraindication to the use of clozapine.
B. Asthma:
Asthma is not a contraindication to clozapine. However, it is important to monitor respiratory function as antipsychotic medications can have side effects related to respiratory function.
C. Hypertension:
Hypertension alone is not a contraindication to clozapine. Clozapine can, however, be associated with some cardiovascular side effects, so blood pressure should be monitored regularly.
D. Fasting blood glucose 120 mg/dL:
An elevated fasting blood glucose level is not a contraindication to clozapine. However, it is important to monitor metabolic parameters as antipsychotic medications, including clozapine, can be associated with metabolic side effects.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "This therapy will increase the client's motivation to gain weight": Behavior modification focuses on changing specific behaviors through reinforcement or consequences. While motivation may be a component, the primary goal of behavior modification is to address and modify specific behaviors, such as eating habits, rather than solely relying on motivation.
B. "This therapy will provide the client with control over behavioral choices": Anorexia nervosa often involves issues of control, and behavior modification can empower the individual to regain control over their eating behaviors in a structured and supportive manner. It involves setting goals, reinforcing positive behaviors, and providing a sense of control within the therapeutic framework.
C. "This therapy will reward the client for perfectionist achievement": While anorexia nervosa is associated with perfectionism, rewarding for perfectionist achievement may inadvertently reinforce unhealthy behaviors. Behavior modification aims to promote positive behaviors related to health and well-being rather than reinforcing perfectionism.
D. "This therapy will protect the client from parental overindulgence": Behavior modification is not primarily focused on protecting the client from external factors like parental overindulgence. Instead, it aims to modify specific behaviors through positive reinforcement or consequences.
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