A client who has been physically aggressive arrives at the emergency department for a psychiatric assessment. Which approach would be best for the nurse to use?

Use brief statements and questions to obtain information.

Provide close contact to increase the client's sense of safety.

Have a sense of humor to show a lack of fear.

Use open-ended questions so the client can elaborate.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Explanation: When dealing with a client who has been physically aggressive and is in distress, the best approach for the nurse is to use brief statements and questions to obtain essential information. This approach helps to keep the communication clear, focused, and non-threatening. The nurse should maintain a calm and assertive demeanor while avoiding lengthy discussions that may escalate the client's agitation.

Options not appropriate in this situation:

B. Providing close contact to increase the client's sense of safety may not be safe for the nurse or the client, especially when dealing with someone who has been physically aggressive. It is essential to maintain a safe distance and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

C. Having a sense of humor to show a lack of fear can be misinterpreted by the client and may not be appropriate or therapeutic in this context. The focus should be on establishing a professional and respectful rapport with the client, prioritizing their needs and safety.

Option D may not be the best approach because open-ended questions could lead to lengthy responses, which may not be suitable for a client who is in distress and potentially aggressive. The nurse should aim for concise and clear communication to ensure safety and facilitate a psychiatric assessment efficiently.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]

Explanation

The actions that are important for the nurse to take to help the client feel safe, secure, and in control of their own body are:

A. Prior to performing any intervention that requires touch, the nurse will ask permission.

This approach allows the client to feel respected and in control of their personal space. Asking for permission before any touch-related intervention acknowledges the client's autonomy and helps build trust.

D. The nurse will perform a continuous assessment of the client's anxiety level.

Continuous assessment of the client's anxiety level is important to identify any triggers or situations that may cause distress or feelings of unsafety. By monitoring the client's anxiety, the nurse can adjust care accordingly to promote a sense of security.

E. Have security present outside of the client's room to prevent anyone from coming in.

Having security present outside the client's room can provide an added layer of safety and reassurance for the client, especially if they have a history of abuse and may feel vulnerable or threatened.

It is not appropriate to:

B- Have the client perform all care independently and without assistance. The client may need assistance with certain care activities, and providing appropriate assistance can promote feelings of safety and trust.

C- Have two nurses present at all times to perform all care and procedures. While some situations may require additional staff for safety reasons, having two nurses present at all times for all care activities can be intrusive and may not respect the client's privacy and autonomy. It is essential to balance safety measures with promoting the client's sense of control and dignity.

A. "Do you have enough money to pay for your care today? B. "Do you feel safe in your home?" C. "Do you take Illegal street drugs? D. Do you obtain regular medical care?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Explanation: The priority question the nurse should ask the client during the initial assessment is whether they feel safe in their home (Option B). This question is essential because it addresses the client's safety and well-being, particularly regarding the possibility of domestic violence or intimate partner violence.

Assessing for safety is a critical component of the initial assessment, especially for female clients, as they may be at higher risk for experiencing domestic violence or abuse. By asking about the client's safety in their home, the nurse can identify potential issues related to violence or unsafe living conditions and take appropriate actions to ensure the client's safety.

Options A, C, and D are also important assessment questions, but they are not the priority in this scenario:

A. "Do you have enough money to pay for your care today?" - This is an important question regarding the client's financial situation and ability to access healthcare. However, safety and well-being take precedence over financial concerns in the initial assessment.

C. "Do you take illegal street drugs?" - This question is crucial for assessing the client's substance use and potential risk factors related to drug use. However, the safety question (Option B) is more immediate and directly addresses the client's well-being.

D. "Do you obtain regular medical care?" - This question is vital for assessing the client's healthcare needs and access to healthcare services. However, the safety question (Option B) should be addressed first to ensure the client's immediate safety and well-being.

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A client who has been physically aggressive arrives at the emergency department for a psychiatric assessment. Which approach would be best for the nurse to use?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a client who has been a victim of abuse since childhood. Which action(s) by the nurse is important so that the client feels safe, secure, and in control of their own body? Select all that apply. (Select All that Apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]

Explanation

The nurse working in an outpatient clinic is performing an intake assessment for a female client. Which priority question will the nurse ask the client as part of the initial assessment?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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