A nurse in a mental health facility is interacting with a client who is angry and becoming increasingly aggressive. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Use clarification to determine what the patient is feeling.

Never break constant eye contact with the patient.

Move the patient to a private area so the conversation will not be disturbed and cannot be seen.

Speak to the patient using an authoritative voice and ask them, "Why are you acting this way?”

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

When dealing with an angry and aggressive client, using clarification is an essential communication technique. It involves asking open-ended questions to better understand the patient's emotions and concerns, which can help defuse the situation and provide insight into the underlying issues.

Choice B rationale:

Maintaining constant eye contact can be interpreted as confrontational or aggressive behavior, potentially escalating the client's aggression. It's important to maintain a respectful distance and avoid behaviors that could exacerbate the situation.

Choice C rationale:

Moving the patient to a private area is a reasonable approach if the environment is contributing to the patient's agitation. However, the primary concern should be the safety of both the patient and the staff. Privacy can be important, but it shouldn't compromise safety.

Choice D rationale:

Speaking to the patient with an authoritative voice and asking "why" questions can escalate the situation further. It may come across as confrontational and provoke a defensive reaction from the patient. Open-ended questions that encourage the patient to express their feelings can be more effective in de-escalation.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

This statement requires intervention by the charge nurse. The nurse is making a judgmental suggestion to the client about how they should approach their marital issues. The nurse's role is to provide support, empathy, and open-ended questions that allow the client to explore their feelings and thoughts. Making a directive statement like this can be perceived as controlling and dismissive of the client's feelings.

Choice B rationale:

Relationship difficulties being stressful and requiring effort to resolve is an appropriate and empathetic response from the nurse. This acknowledges the client's struggles and offers validation without imposing a particular solution.

Choice C rationale:

Developing a plan for communication is a constructive approach that helps the client address their concerns. This response is within the nurse's scope of practice and promotes problem-solving and effective communication between partners.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging the client to share more about their concerns regarding their marriage is a therapeutic response. It shows active listening and facilitates the client's exploration of their feelings, which is an essential aspect of the nursing role in a therapeutic relationship.

A. Suggest that a long-term care facility be considered. B. Offer ideas for ways to distract or redirect the client. C. Ask the spouse what she knows and has considered about dementia care options. D. Educate the spouse about the availability of adult care as a respite. E. Suggest that the spouse consults with the physician for anti-anxiety drugs.

Correct Answer is ["B","D"]

Explanation

The correct answers are choices B and D: "Offer ideas for ways to distract or redirect the client." and "Educate the spouse about the availability of adult care as a respite."

Choice A rationale:

Suggesting a long-term care facility should not be the first action. Early-stage Alzheimer's clients can often remain at home with proper support, and suggesting institutionalization might not be appropriate at this stage.

Choice B rationale:

This is a correct choice. Engaging the client with Alzheimer's in activities that distract or redirect their focus can be helpful. This approach can alleviate the spouse's concerns and provide some relief from exhaustion.

Choice C rationale:

While discussing dementia care options with the spouse is important, it might not directly address the spouse's current exhaustion and feelings of helplessness.

Choice D rationale:

This is a correct choice. Educating the spouse about adult care options for respite can provide much-needed breaks for the caregiver. Caring for someone with Alzheimer's can be emotionally and physically draining, so respite care can offer temporary relief.

Choice E rationale:

Suggesting anti-anxiety drugs for the spouse is not the best first action. While addressing caregiver stress is important, suggesting medication should come after considering other supportive measures.

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A nurse in a mental health facility is interacting with a client who is angry and becoming increasingly aggressive. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who is sharing information regarding concerns about their marriage. The client states "My spouse and I argue most times." Which of the following statements by the nurse requires intervention by the charge nurse?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Exhibit. The spouse of a male client with early-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) tells the nurse, "I am just exhausted from the constant worry. I don't know what to do." Which action is best for the nurse to take next? (Select All That Apply.)

Correct Answer is ["B","D"]

Explanation

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