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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"A"}}

Explanation

The correct answer/s is Choice/s.

Choice A rationale: Mental health support is generally considered a protective factor against suicide. Effective mental health care can help individuals manage their mental health conditions, which can reduce the risk of suicide.

Choice B rationale: Family history, particularly a family history of suicide, is a risk factor for suicide. The client’s mother’s suicide could potentially increase the client’s risk.

Choice C rationale: Good physical health is typically seen as a protective factor against suicide. Serious physical health conditions, including chronic pain, can increase suicide risk, but the client is reported to be in good physical health.

Choice D rationale: Support systems, such as feeling connected to family and community, are protective factors against suicide. They can provide emotional support and help individuals feel less isolated.

Choice E rationale: Alcohol consumption, especially misuse or addiction, is a risk factor for suicide. However, the client has attended rehabilitation and has not used alcohol for the past 4 years, which could be seen as a protective factor.

Choice F rationale: Access to lethal means is a risk factor for suicide. Limiting access to lethal means is a societal protective factor.

A. Hypomagnesemia B. Renal failure C. Heart failure D. Hyperthyroidism.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The client’s reported behavior of using laxatives and inducing vomiting after eating can lead to a condition known as hypomagnesemia. Hypomagnesemia is a condition characterized by low levels of magnesium in the blood. This condition can be caused by poor intake, excessive loss, or movement of magnesium from the blood into less accessible locations. The use of laxatives can lead to excessive loss of magnesium through increased bowel movements. Similarly, self-induced vomiting can also result in a loss of magnesium. Therefore, the client’s behavior puts them at risk for developing hypomagnesemia.

Choice B rationale:

Renal failure, also known as kidney failure, occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products from the blood. While the use of laxatives and self-induced vomiting can lead to dehydration, which can strain the kidneys, these behaviors are not directly associated with renal failure. Therefore, while it’s possible for the client to develop kidney problems, it’s less likely compared to hypomagnesemia.

Choice C rationale:

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t pump blood as well as it should. This condition can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, swelling, fatigue, and other symptoms. While severe electrolyte imbalances, such as those that might result from the use of laxatives and self-induced vomiting, can affect heart function, they would typically result in arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) rather than heart failure. Therefore, it’s less likely for the client to develop heart failure based on the behaviors described.

Choice D rationale:

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces and releases too much thyroid hormone. This condition can cause symptoms like rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and anxiety. The client’s behaviors of using laxatives and inducing vomiting after eating do not directly influence the production of thyroid hormones. Therefore, it’s less likely for the client to develop hyperthyroidism based on the behaviors described.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"A"}}

Explanation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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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?