A client with depression is admitted for voluntary treatment. While in the hospital, the client makes several comments about leaving the facility and kiling themselves with their gun. Which is the most appropriate action by the nurse when the client requests to leave against medical advice?

Call security and ask them to detain the client from leaving.

Contact the client's family to request they convince the client to stay.

Allow the client to leave, with a referral to community resources for follow-up care.

Contact the psychiatrist for initiation of commitment proceedings.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

In this situation, the client's safety is of utmost importance. Expressing a desire to leave the facility and harm oneself with a gun raises serious concerns about the client's safety and the risk of harm to themselves. Initiating commitment proceedings, also known as involuntary hospitalization or psychiatric hold, allows the facility to legally detain the client temporarily for their protection and evaluation by mental health professionals. This allows for a thorough assessment of the client's mental health status and the formulation of a comprehensive treatment plan to ensure their safety.

Options A, B, and C are not appropriate in this situation:

A. Calling security to detain the client may escalate the situation and could potentially lead to increased risk of harm.

B. Contacting the client's family may not be enough to ensure the client's safety, and it is essential to involve mental health professionals in evaluating the client's risk.

C. Allowing the client to leave without addressing their expressed suicidal ideation is not safe, as the client may be at high risk for self-harm or suicide. Simply referring them to community resources without further evaluation and intervention is not sufficient to address the immediate safety concern.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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.

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.

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A client with depression is admitted for voluntary treatment. While in the hospital, the client makes several comments about leaving the facility and kiling themselves with their gun. Which is the most appropriate action by the nurse when the client requests to leave against medical advice?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is A

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

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