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
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. The primary mode of transmission is through the ingestion of the parasite's oocysts, which are commonly found in cat feces.
When a person comes into contact with cat feces, such as during cleaning of the litter box or gardening in soil contaminated with cat feces, they can inadvertently ingest the parasite. Therefore, handling cat feces is a common route of transmission for toxoplasmosis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
To accurately assess the client's respirations, the nurse should observe the movements of the client's chest wall. This can be done by visually inspecting the rise and fall of the chest or by placing a hand on the client's chest to feel the movements. This allows the nurse to assess the depth, rhythm, and effort of the client's breathing. I
It is important to observe the client's respirations without informing them, as this may cause the client to alter their breathing pattern consciously.
Counting the client's respirations for a full minute (rather than 15 seconds) provides a more accurate measurement.
Placing the client in a supine position may not be necessary for assessing respirations, as it is primarily focused on observing the chest movements.
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