A nurse in a mental health facility is caring for a client who reports palpitations and a sense of impending doom. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Administer an anti-anxiety medication.
Explore behaviors that have helped to reduce the client's anxiety in the past.
Minimize environmental stimuli in the client's surroundings.
Explain to the client that anxiety causes physical manifestations
The Correct Answer is C
The client is experiencing palpitations and a sense of impending doom, which may indicate a heightened state of anxiety or a panic attack. Minimizing environmental stimuli can help create a calming and safe environment for the client. By reducing noise, bright lights, and other potentially distressing stimuli, the nurse can create a more soothing atmosphere that may help alleviate the client's anxiety.
While exploring behaviors that have helped to reduce the client's anxiety in the past and explaining to the client that anxiety causes physical manifestations are important actions, they may not provide immediate relief or address the client's immediate distress.
Administering an anti-anxiety medication may be considered if the client's symptoms persist or worsen, but it is not the first action to be taken. The nurse should prioritize non-pharmacological interventions and create a supportive environment before considering medication administration.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
All of the listed actions can be part of evaluating the effectiveness of a performance improvement program, but identifying data collection methods is the most specific to evaluating the outcomes of the program.
Therefore, the nurse should identify data collection methods to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Reviewing the facility's policy and procedure manual, defining the problem, and performing chart audits are all important steps in the performance improvement process, but they do not specifically address the evaluation of the program's effectiveness.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
c. Diminished pulses on the affected extremity. This finding may indicate compromised circulation, which is
a serious complication that requires immediate intervention.
Option a. Ecchymosis on the inner left thigh may be a concerning finding, but it is not as urgent as diminished pulses. Ecchymosis may be a result of trauma during cast application, and may resolve on its own.
Option b. One fingerbreadth of space between the cast and the skin is a normal finding and indicates that the cast is not too tight.
Option d. Client report of muscle spasms of the left leg is a common complaint in clients with casts and may
be addressed with medication or other interventions, but it is not as urgent as diminished pulses. Therefore, the priority finding in this scenario is c. Diminished pulses on the affected extremity.

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