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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E","F"]
Explanation
To decrease the risks for a urinary tract infection for this client, the nurse should take several actions. The nurse should encourage the client to drink 3,000 mL of fluid daily to help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract¹. The nurse should also empty the drainage bag when it is half-full to prevent bacterial growth¹.
Additionally, the nurse should review the need for the indwelling urinary catheter daily and use soap and water to provide perineal care¹.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds: Washing hands with soap and water is the preferred method for hand hygiene in most situations, especially when hands are visibly soiled or contaminated with body fluids. The CDC recommends washing hands for at least 20 seconds, ensuring that all surfaces of the hands, including the back of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails, are thoroughly cleaned.
Artificial nails should not be worn when performing direct client care: Artificial nails, including nail extensions and overlays, should be avoided when providing direct client care. The wearing of
artificial nails can increase the risk of bacterial colonization and make proper hand hygiene more challenging. Short, natural nails without nail polish are recommended for healthcare workers to ensure effective hand hygiene and reduce the risk of infection transmission.
Wear sterile gloves when in contact with body fluids: Sterile gloves are indicated when there is a need for an aseptic technique or when in contact with sterile body sites or invasive procedures.
However, for routine patient care and non-sterile procedures, non-sterile disposable gloves are typically sufficient. The use of gloves does not replace the need for proper hand hygiene before and after glove use.
Use alcohol-based cleanser when hands are visibly soiled: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective in killing many types of germs when used correctly. However, they are not as effective when hands are visibly soiled or contaminated with body fluids. In such cases, washing hands with soap and water is recommended to ensure proper cleansing and removal of visible dirt or contaminants.
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