A homeless male who was found sitting in the middle of a busy street is brought to the emergency department (ED). On admission, the client is confused and has difficulty answering questions. After ruling out a physiological etiology for the client's behavior, he is transferred to the mental health unit. When admitting the client to the unit, which action is most important for the nurse to take?

Ask the client about his recent substance use.

Perform a mental status exam.

Assess the client from head-to-toe.

Determine the number of previous hospitalizations.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale: Asking the client about recent substance use is essential in assessing potential intoxication or withdrawal, which could contribute to the client's confused state. However, performing a mental status exam is the most important action to take.

Choice B rationale: The most important action for the nurse to take is to perform a mental status exam. This will help the nurse to assess the client's level of consciousness, orientation, memory, attention, mood, affect, thought process, and judgment. The mental status exam will also help the nurse to identify any signs of psychosis, delirium, dementia, or other mental disorders that may explain the client's behavior. Choice C rationale: Assessing the client from head-to-toe is a general nursing action but does not address the immediate need related to potential substance use. Choice D rationale: Determining the number of previous hospitalizations is relevant but does not address the current concern of substance use contributing to confusion.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale: Initiating an exercise program may be a helpful intervention, but the primary goal for this client following a drug overdose and romantic relationship issues is to return to the previous level of functioning.

Choice B rationale: Identifying positive personal traits is a positive goal but may not be the most immediate priority for this client.

Choice C rationale: Returning to the previous level of functioning is the primary goal for hospitalization. This goal involves restoring the client's ability to manage daily life and cope with stressors.

Choice D rationale: Describing what is needed in a romantic relationship is important, but the immediate focus is on the client's overall functioning and safety.

A. Disrupts group activities. B. Refuses antipsychotic medications. C. Wanders into client's rooms. D. Talks with nonsensical words.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale: Disrupting group activities is a concerning behavior but may not necessitate constant observation. The key is to assess the potential for harm to self or others.

Choice B rationale: Refusing antipsychotic medications is a significant concern, but it alone may not warrant constant observation. The nurse needs to assess the client's overall behavior and the potential for harm.

Choice C rationale: Wandering into clients' rooms poses a risk to the safety of both the client and others. This behavior indicates a need for constant observation to prevent harm or inappropriate interactions.

Choice D rationale: Talking with nonsensical words is a symptom of the client's mental health condition but may not be the sole criterion for constant observation. The nurse should assess the overall risk to safety.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A college student is admitted to the mental health unit following a drug overdose. The student tells the nurse about the overdose following the end of a romantic relationship. Which is the primary goal for hospitalization that should be included in this client's plan of care?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client who refuses antipsychotic medications disrupts group activities, talks with nonsensical words, and wanders into client's rooms. The nurse decides that the client needs constant observation based on which of these assessment findings?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which client Information indicates the need for the nurse to use the CAGE questionnaire during the admission interview?

The nurse is assessing a client with postpartum depression for changes in the mood and cognitive state. Which subjective finding(s) should the nurse identify that are consistent with postpartum depression? Select all that apply.

The nurse is preparing a client for discharge who has been taking alprazolam long-term for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). When evaluating the client's grasp of the discharge teaching, which statement made by the client shows an understanding of the most important self-care goal?

An older homeless client visits the psychiatric clinic to obtain a prescription renewal for alprazolam. During the health assessment, the client reports experiencing of chest pain. Which action should the nurse take first?

The healthcare provider prescribes lithium carbonate for a client diagnosed with bipolar, manic depression. It is most important for the nurse to review which laboratory finding prior to beginning the drug therapy?

After several days of being despondent and nonverbal, a female client with depression begins to talk and exhibit energy. Which action should the nurse implement?