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."
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The client is unwilling to accept that treatment is needed.
This alone may not be sufficient to keep the client under a 72-hour hold. While a person's refusal to accept treatment may indicate a need for care, it might not meet the criteria for involuntary commitment unless there is an immediate danger to the individual or others.
B. The client states that she does not like the neighbor.
Disliking a neighbor is not typically a sufficient reason to place someone under a 72-hour psychiatric hold. The criteria for involuntary commitment usually revolve around a person's potential to harm themselves or others due to their mental state.
C. The client is a danger to herself or others.
Explanation:
In many jurisdictions, a 72-hour psychiatric hold, also known as an involuntary psychiatric hold or emergency detention, allows mental health professionals to detain a person who is considered a danger to themselves or others due to their mental condition. This is done to ensure the safety of the individual and those around them. The hold provides a brief period during which a psychiatric assessment can be conducted to determine the appropriate course of action for the person's mental health treatment.
D. The client states that she plans to move out of the state immediately.
While this statement might raise concerns about the client's stability, it generally would not meet the criteria for a 72-hour hold unless there is clear evidence that the client's immediate move would pose a risk to their own safety or the safety of others. The hold is more focused on imminent danger rather than potential future actions.
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.
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