A client who has major depressive disorder states to the nurse that he and his family would be better off if he were gone. Which of the following is the nurse's priority response?

"Are you thinking of harming yourself?"

"Do you really think your family would be better off without you?"

"When did you first start feeling this way?"

"Tell me what is happening right now."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. "Are you thinking of harming yourself?": Correct

This is the priority response because it directly addresses the client's statement about being better off gone, which raises concerns about potential suicidal thoughts. Asking this question allows the nurse to assess the client's risk of self-harm or suicide and take appropriate actions to ensure their safety.

B. "Do you really think your family would be better off without you?": Incorrect

While this response attempts to engage the client in a conversation, it doesn't directly address the immediate concern of suicidal thoughts. It's important to prioritize assessing the client's safety before exploring their feelings about their family's perspective.

C. "When did you first start feeling this way?": Incorrect

While understanding the client's history and the onset of their feelings is important, it's not the priority response in this situation. Assessing the client's risk of harm takes precedence over gathering historical information.

D. "Tell me what is happening right now.": Incorrect

This response doesn't directly address the client's statement about being better off gone and doesn't assess the immediate risk of self-harm or suicide. While understanding the client's current situation is valuable, safety concerns should be addressed first.

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 A

Explanation

Remaining with the client provides support and ensures their safety. The client's behavior indicates distress, and having a nurse nearby can help the client feel more comfortable and secure.

B. Give the client a PRN sleeping medication:

Explanation: Administering a sleeping medication should not be the first response, especially if the client is agitated. It's important to address the underlying cause of the agitation and consider other interventions before resorting to medication.

C. Encourage the client to go back to bed:

Explanation: Encouraging the client to go back to bed might not be effective if they are experiencing significant distress or anxiety. It's better to address their emotional state first before suggesting any changes in activity.

D. Explore alternatives to pacing the floor with the client:

Explanation: This is a reasonable course of action. Exploring alternatives to the client's current behavior can help address their distress and find ways to manage their emotions more effectively.

A. "It doesn't really matter what time you take your medications as long as you don't skip any doses." B. "We'll have to talk to your provider about switching to an alternative schedule." C. "You really shouldn't change the schedule we established here in the facility." D. Let's work together to devise a time schedule that is convenient for you on a daily basis."

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. "It doesn't really matter what time you take your medications as long as you don't skip any doses."

While it's important not to skip doses, taking medications at specific intervals is often necessary for maintaining therapeutic blood levels and optimal treatment outcomes. Disregarding specific timing can affect the effectiveness of the medications.

B. "We'll have to talk to your provider about switching to an alternative schedule."

This response may not consider the client's preferences and might not be necessary if the client's current schedule can be adjusted to suit their routine. Collaboration between the nurse and the client is essential.

C. "You really shouldn't change the schedule we established here in the facility."

While continuity in medication schedules is important, if the established schedule doesn't align with the client's daily life, there should be flexibility to adjust it in a way that still maintains the effectiveness of the medications.

D. "Let's work together to devise a time schedule that is convenient for you on a daily basis."

Explanation: It's important to consider the client's lifestyle and routines when developing a medication schedule to ensure optimal adherence. Collaboratively working with the client to create a schedule that fits their daily activities increases the likelihood that they will consistently take their medications as prescribed.

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 major depressive disorder states to the nurse that he and his family would be better off if he were gone. Which of the following is the nurse's priority response?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is having difficulty sleeping and is pacing the floor. The client's head down, and he is wringing his hands. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who has multiple medication prescriptions and must take the medications at specific intervals when at home. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to administer haloperidol 75 mg IM per week. Available is haloperidol decanoate 100mg/ml for injection. How many ml should the nurse administer per dose? (Round the answer to the nearest hundredth. Use a leading zero if it applies.

A nurse is performing an admission assessment for a client who is receiving treatment following a situational crisis. Which of the following assessments by the nurse is the highest priority?

A client who has major depressive disorder states to the nurse that he and his family would be better off if he were gone. Which of the following is the nurse's priority response?

A nurse is preparing to minister amoxicillin 350 mg PO. Available is amoxicillin 250 mg/5 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer? (Round to the nearest whole number.)

A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted with acute psychosis and is being treated with haloperidol. The nurse should suspect that the client may be experiencing tardive dyskinesia when the client exhibits which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is reviewing medication records for several clients who have bipolar disorder. The nurse should recognize that which of the following medications are used to treat clients who have bipolar disorder? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has bipolar disorder and will be discharged with a prescription for lithium. The nurse could teach the client which of the following factors puts her at risk for lithium toxicity?

A community health nurse is providing teaching to the family of a client who has dementia. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse tell the family to expect?