A nurse in a mental health clinic is caring for an older adult client who has depression and has stopped taking their medication. The client tells the nurse. "I want to die now that my partner is gone." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"Tell me more about your partner."
"Have you thought about harming yourself?"
"Why did you stop taking your medication?
"You should discuss these feelings with your provider."
The Correct Answer is B
A. "Tell me more about your partner.":
While understanding the client's feelings about their partner is important, the immediate concern is the client's statement expressing a desire to die. Therefore, focusing on the client's thoughts about self-harm (Option B) takes precedence in ensuring their safety.
B. "Have you thought about harming yourself?":
This response is appropriate because it directly addresses the client's statement expressing a desire to die. It opens a dialogue about the client's thoughts and intentions related to self-harm, allowing the nurse to assess the client's risk and initiate appropriate interventions.
C. "Why did you stop taking your medication?":
While understanding the reasons behind medication non-compliance is important, the immediate concern is the client's current statement indicating suicidal ideation. Exploring the client's medication adherence can be addressed after addressing the acute safety concern.
D. "You should discuss these feelings with your provider.":
This response might be seen as avoiding the client's immediate expression of distress. It is important for the nurse to directly assess the client's risk and initiate appropriate interventions rather than deferring the responsibility to another healthcare provider at this moment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "I will walk three times per week."
Weight-bearing exercises like walking help strengthen bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Regular physical activity is a key component in maintaining bone health.
B. "I will take 250 milligrams of calcium once per day."
This amount of calcium is insufficient. The recommended daily intake for older adults is typically around 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day, divided into doses for better absorption.
C. "I will decrease my intake of dairy products."
Dairy products are rich sources of calcium and are beneficial for bone health. Decreasing their intake would not be advisable for reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
D. "I will avoid exposure to the sun."
Sun exposure helps the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Avoiding sun exposure could lead to a deficiency in vitamin D, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Administer the client's medications one at a time:
This is the correct action. Administering medications one at a time allows the nurse to monitor the client's ability to swallow each medication safely. It minimizes the risk of aspiration and ensures that each medication is swallowed effectively.
B. Encourage the client to use a straw to take the medications:
Using a straw may not be recommended for clients with dysphagia, as it can alter the normal swallowing process and increase the risk of aspiration. The focus should be on safe administration of medications without compromising the client's ability to swallow.
C. Give the client's medications between meals:
The timing of medication administration is important, but the priority is the safe administration of medications, especially for clients with dysphagia. Administering medications between meals may not directly address the safety concerns related to swallowing.
D. Assist the client into semi-Fowler's position:
While positioning is important, especially for clients with dysphagia, the administration of medications one at a time (Option A) takes precedence in ensuring the safety of the client's swallowing. Semi-Fowler's position may be beneficial, but it is not the primary action related to medication administration.
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