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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

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. A client who bursts into tears, leaves the group meeting, and sits on the bed hugging a pillow and sobbing B. A client who stomps away from the nurses' station, goes into the day room, and grabs a pool cue from another client standing at the pool table C. A client who tells the primary nurse "When you told me that I could not have a pass. I felt angry." D. A client who tells the medication nurse, "I am not going to take that, or any other, medication." E. The correct answer is B. A client who stomps away from the nurses' station, goes into the day room, and grabs a pool cue from another client standing at the pool table.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Aggression is a behavior characterized by hostility, anger, or violent actions toward others or objects. In the scenario described in option B, the client demonstrates aggressive behavior by stomping away from the nurses' station and grabbing a pool cue from another client. This behavior indicates hostility and potential violence towards others, which is a clear example of aggression.

Options A, C, and D do not describe aggressive behavior. Option A describes a client expressing sadness and seeking comfort by hugging a pillow and sobbing. Option C describes a client expressing anger verbally but not exhibiting aggression. Option D describes a client refusing to take medication, which may not necessarily involve aggressive behavior.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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

After an Angry outburst, a client quickly appears calmer and receptive to input from the nurse. Which is the most helpful response to the client at this time?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is caring for several clients on the behavioral health unit. Which client will be assessed as demonstrating aggression?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client is observed pacing the hall with clenched fists and swearing at others. The nurse intervenes immediately in a calm manner to prevent the client from moving to which phase of the aggression cycle?

A nurse is assessing several clients who have experienced loss. Which client will the nurse identify as experiencing complicated grieving? Select all that apply. (Select All that Apply.)

A nurse observes another nurse acting flirtatiously and bringing small gifts, such as candy, to a client in the behavioral health unit. Which action is a priority by the observing nurse?

The health care provider prescribes haloperidol 10 mg for a client with severe psychosis but the client refuses the medication. Which nursing action is appropriate?

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.)

A client has just had an elective abortion to end an unintended pregnancy. Afterward, the client cries because although they wanted to have children in future years, this pregnancy was not well timed. Which type of grief is this client most likely to experience?

A nurse cared for a terminally ill client for over a month and developed a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. After the client's death, feelings of sadness. sleeping poorly, and feeling mildly depressed were experienced by the nurse. Which is the best action to improve the resolution of grief?

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?