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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. WBC count 3,300/mm³.
Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic medication, is associated with a risk of agranulocytosis, which is a severe reduction in white blood cell (WBC) count. A WBC count of 3,300/mm³ is significantly below the normal range, and it indicates a contraindication to the use of clozapine.
B. Asthma:
Asthma is not a contraindication to clozapine. However, it is important to monitor respiratory function as antipsychotic medications can have side effects related to respiratory function.
C. Hypertension:
Hypertension alone is not a contraindication to clozapine. Clozapine can, however, be associated with some cardiovascular side effects, so blood pressure should be monitored regularly.
D. Fasting blood glucose 120 mg/dL:
An elevated fasting blood glucose level is not a contraindication to clozapine. However, it is important to monitor metabolic parameters as antipsychotic medications, including clozapine, can be associated with metabolic side effects.
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.
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