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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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

When a client has an angry outburst and then quickly appears calmer and receptive to input from the nurse, it is important for the nurse to address the underlying cause of the outburst and explore the client's feelings and emotions. By asking, "What happened that got you so upset?", the nurse is inviting the client to express their feelings and share what triggered their anger. This can help the nurse understand the client's perspective, provide appropriate support, and potentially de-escalate any remaining tension or frustration.

The other options are inappropriate because:

A- "We will have to talk about this later." This response may make the client feel dismissed or that their feelings are not being heard or understood.

C- "You really scared me. I'm glad you are okay." While this response acknowledges the client's emotional state, it centers the focus on the nurse's feelings rather than exploring the client's perspective or emotions.

D- "Your behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated." This response is confrontational and judgmental, which can escalate the situation and potentially trigger further defensive reactions from the client.

Overall, a non-judgmental and empathetic approach that focuses on understanding the client's feelings and experiences is more likely to foster open communication and provide the client with a safe space to express themselves.

A. "We need to offer the client emotional support especially when obtaining specimens." B. "Did you see that outfit that the client is wearing? What did they expect?" C. The client feels like they won't be believed since there was alcohol involved during the date." D. "When the client said "stop." that was enough for the perpetrator to get up and walk away."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Explanation: This statement is highly inappropriate and victim-blaming. It implies that the client's clothing choices are somehow responsible for the sexual assault they experienced. Victim-blaming is never acceptable and can be harmful to the survivor, making them feel ashamed and responsible for the actions of the perpetrator. As healthcare professionals, nurses should always respond to victims of sexual assault with empathy, compassion, and without judgment.

The other statements (A, C, and D) are all appropriate and acknowledge the seriousness of the situation:

A. "We need to offer the client emotional support especially when obtaining specimens." Explanation: This statement recognizes the need for emotional support during the examination process, which can be distressing for the survivor. Providing emotional support and ensuring the client's comfort and consent during the examination are crucial aspects of caring for a sexual assault survivor.

C. "The client feels like they won't be believed since there was alcohol involved during the date." Explanation: This statement highlights the survivor's feelings and concerns about being believed due to alcohol involvement. It emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental environment for the client, where they can share their experience and receive appropriate care and support.

D. "When the client said 'stop,' that was enough for the perpetrator to get up and walk away." Explanation: This statement indicates an understanding of the importance of consent and acknowledges that the client's clear expression of refusal should have been respected. Understanding and respecting consent is crucial when discussing cases of sexual assault.

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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?

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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?