A newly admitted patient is severely depressed, lost 20 pounds over the past month, and expresses hopelessness for the future. Select the priority nursing diagnosis

Risk for suicide

Risk for injury

Powerlessness

Risk for imbalance nutrition

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Priority. The patient is exhibiting severe depression, weight loss, and expressing hopelessness, which are all indicators of an increased risk for suicide. Assessing and addressing the risk for suicide is crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of the patient.

B. Incorrect. While the patient may be at risk for injury due to factors such as poor nutrition and potential self-harm, the immediate concern in this case is the risk for suicide, given the patient's severe depression and expressed hopelessness.

C. Incorrect. Powerlessness may be a relevant nursing diagnosis for individuals experiencing depression, but the immediate concern in this case is the risk for suicide. Addressing the patient's sense of powerlessness can be part of the broader care plan, but it's not the priority.

D. Incorrect. While the patient has experienced significant weight loss, the priority at this time is addressing the risk for suicide. Once the immediate safety concern is addressed, nutritional concerns can be addressed as part of the overall care plan.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. The client will substitute a productive activity for rituals by day one: This outcome may be challenging to achieve within the first day, and it is important to set realistic goals. Moreover, focusing on substituting a productive activity might not address the immediate need to reduce ritualistic behaviors.

B. The client will refrain from ritualistic behaviors during daylight hours: This is an appropriate initial outcome. It acknowledges the challenge of completely eliminating rituals but sets a realistic goal of refraining from these behaviors during daylight hours. This allows for gradual progress without setting unrealistic expectations.

C. The client will participate in unit activities by day three: While participation in unit activities is a positive goal, it may be too optimistic to expect this within the first three days, especially considering the severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms.

D. The client will wake early enough to complete rituals prior to breakfast: This goal does not promote a reduction in ritualistic behaviors; instead, it may reinforce and accommodate the rituals. The aim of treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder is to reduce the impact of these rituals, not to support them.

A. Allow the client to pace alone until physically tired B. Walk with the client at a gradually slower pace C. Have a staff member escort the client to her room D. Instruct the client to sit down and stop pacing

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Allow the client to pace alone until physically tired: While pacing can be a coping mechanism, leaving the client alone may not be the most therapeutic approach. It is important for the nurse to provide support and assess the client's emotional state.

B. Walk with the client at a gradually slower pace: This is the correct answer. Walking with the client at a gradually slower pace allows the nurse to offer support and engage in therapeutic communication. It provides a calming presence and can assist the client in self-regulating their anxiety.

C. Have a staff member escort the client to her room: Escorting the client to her room might be perceived as restrictive or punitive. It is generally more beneficial to engage in supportive interventions and encourage coping strategies.

D. Instruct the client to sit down and stop pacing: Giving direct orders to stop pacing may increase anxiety and may not be an effective approach. It is often better to engage in a supportive manner and explore ways to help the client manage their anxiety.

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A newly admitted patient is severely depressed, lost 20 pounds over the past month, and expresses hopelessness for the future. Select the priority nursing diagnosis

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder is admitted to a psychiatric unit. The client has an elaborate routine for toileting activities. Which would be an appropriate initial client outcome during the first week of hospitalization?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse on a mental health unit is caring for a client who has generalized anxiety disorder. 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?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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