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 C
Explanation
A 24-hour creatinine clearance test is used to evaluate how well the kidneys are functioning by measuring the amount of creatinine in the blood and urine over a 24-hour period. During the test, the client is asked to discard their first-morning void and then collect all urine for the next 24 hours.
Option A is incorrect because a protein-rich diet can affect the creatinine levels in the urine, which can result in inaccurate test results. Therefore, the nurse should advise the client to avoid a protein-rich diet during the collection period.
Option B is incorrect because blood glucose levels are not relevant to a 24-hour creatinine clearance test. Therefore, the nurse should not ask the client to record their blood glucose level each time they void.
Option D is incorrect because using an antiseptic towel to cleanse the perineal area can also affect the test results by introducing contaminants into the urine sample. Therefore, the nurse should advise the client to cleanse the perineal area with soap and water or an alcohol wipe.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
As a nurse, the intervention that should be recommended is encouraging the client to take frequent walks during the day. This will help the client expend some energy and reduce the restlessness that could be causing the sleep disturbance at night.
The other options are not recommended because barbiturate medications can cause excessive sedation, allowing the client to nap for at least 1 hour during the day can interfere with their ability to sleep at night, and putting a lock on the client's door can be a safety risk in case of an emergency.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today