A mental health nurse on a mental health unit is caring for a client who has generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The client received a telephone call that was upsetting, and now the client is pacing up and down the corridors of the unit.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Walk with the client at a gradually slower pace.
Have a staff member escort the client to her room.
Allow the client to pace alone until physically tired.
Instruct the client to sit down and stop pacing.
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale for Choice A:
Pacing can be a physical manifestation of anxiety. It allows individuals to release some of the nervous energy that builds up during anxious moments. Restricting this behavior can potentially escalate anxiety.
Walking with the client can provide a sense of safety and support. It demonstrates to the client that they are not alone in their anxiety and that the nurse is there to help them.
Gradually slowing the pace of the walk can help to regulate the client's breathing and heart rate. This can have a calming effect on both the body and mind.
Walking can also be a form of distraction. It can help to take the client's mind off of their worries and focus on the present moment.
Walking can help to release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. This can help to counteract some of the negative emotions associated with anxiety.
Rationale for Choice B:
Escorting the client to their room may be perceived as restrictive and controlling. This could potentially increase the client's anxiety.
Removing the client from the public area of the unit may isolate them from other people and activities. This could make them feel more alone and anxious.
Rationale for Choice C:
Allowing the client to pace alone may not be safe. The client could potentially become agitated or injure themselves.
Pacing alone does not provide the client with any support or guidance. This could make it more difficult for them to manage their anxiety.
Rationale for Choice D:
Instructing the client to sit down and stop pacing may be perceived as dismissive and unhelpful. It does not address the underlying causes of the client's anxiety.
Forcing the client to stop pacing could potentially escalate their anxiety. This could lead to agitation, aggression, or other negative behaviors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Giving the client a PRN sleeping medication is not the best option in this situation. While it might help the client sleep, it does not address the underlying issue causing the client’s anxiety and restlessness. It’s important to remember that medication should not be the first line of treatment unless necessary. Instead, non- pharmacological interventions should be explored first.
Choice B rationale: Encouraging the client to go back to bed might seem like a reasonable action. However, it might not be helpful if the client is feeling restless and anxious. Forcing the client to stay in bed might increase their anxiety and restlessness. It’s important to address the client’s feelings and provide comfort and reassurance.
Choice C rationale: Remaining with the client is the best action to take in this situation. The client is showing signs of anxiety and restlessness, and the presence of the nurse can provide comfort and reassurance. The nurse can use this time to talk to the client, understand their concerns, and provide emotional support. This can help to alleviate the client’s anxiety and might make it easier for them to relax and eventually sleep.
Choice D rationale: Exploring alternatives to pacing the floor with the client might be a good option, but it’s not the best initial action. While it’s important to provide the client with alternatives to help manage their anxiety, the first step should be to provide comfort and reassurance. Once the client is feeling calmer, the nurse can then discuss different strategies to help manage their anxiety.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice b. Administer the morning dose of lithium.
Choice A rationale:
Preparing for gastric lavage is unnecessary because a lithium level of 1.0 mEq/L is within the therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L) and does not indicate toxicity.
Choice B rationale:
Administering the morning dose of lithium is appropriate as the current lithium level is within the therapeutic range, indicating that the medication is being managed correctly.
Choice C rationale:
Holding the medication and assessing for early manifestations of toxicity is not necessary since the lithium level is not indicative of toxicity. Toxicity typically occurs at levels above 1.5 mEq/L.
Choice D rationale:
Checking the client’s medication record to assess whether the client has been refusing her lithium is not relevant in this scenario because the lithium level is within the therapeutic range, suggesting compliance with the medication regimen.
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