A client who is experiencing a severe level of anxiety reports a racing heartbeat, dizziness, and expresses a sense that something dreadful will happen. The nurse observes the client pacing and waving hands rapidly. Which action should the nurse take?

Help the client identify thoughts that may be triggers.

Explore past behaviors that have provided relief.

Attempt to distract to another focus or activity.

Speak calmly to the client stating assurance of safety.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Identifying triggers may be beneficial, but the client is currently in a state of severe anxiety, and immediate intervention to address the symptoms is needed.
B.   Exploring past behaviors can be addressed later; the immediate focus should be on managing the acute symptoms of anxiety.
C. Attempting to distract the client can be helpful, but providing reassurance and addressing safety concerns take precedence.
D.   Speaking calmly to the client and providing assurance of safety is an appropriate first step in managing severe anxiety. Once the client is more settled, other interventions can be explored.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While sleep deprivation is a concern, the client's impulsive behavior poses a greater immediate risk, making "Risk for self-directed violence related to impulsive behavior" the priority.
B. Ineffective coping may be a contributing factor, but the risk of self-directed violence takes precedence as the primary concern.
C. The client's impulsive behavior increases the risk of self-directed violence, making it the most urgent nursing priority.
D. Imbalanced nutrition is a concern, but the immediate risk of self-directed violence requires more immediate attention.

A. Reinforce personal strengths observed in the client. B. Suggest ways to problem solve adapting to the new home. C. Help the client know they will not always feel this way. D. Inquire respectfully about the events of the departure.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Reinforcing personal strengths is a positive intervention, but in this context, understanding the underlying cause of anxiety should take precedence.
B. Suggesting ways to problem-solve adapting to the new home is a valuable intervention, but assessing the specific stressors or traumas the client may have experienced is more immediate.
C. Helping the client know they will not always feel this way is supportive, but understanding the context and potential triggers for anxiety is the first step.
D. Inquiring respectfully about the events of the departure is the most important initial intervention to gather information about potential traumatic experiences that may be contributing to the client's anxiety.

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A client who is experiencing a severe level of anxiety reports a racing heartbeat, dizziness, and expresses a sense that something dreadful will happen. The nurse observes the client pacing and waving hands rapidly. Which action should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client who is a refugee from another country and who is experiencing daily episodes of anxiety. The client communicates minimally with the nurse, looking away and appearing distressed. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to do first?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse completes an assessment of a client experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Which finding of the injuries should the nurse include in the documentation?

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