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?”
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The statement "I know that men who are abusers gain power through intimidation." is accurate and aligned with the understanding of domestic violence dynamics. Abusers often use intimidation tactics to exert control over their victims, perpetuating a cycle of power and control.
Choice B rationale:
The statement "I have heard that abusers think of themselves as important and have high self-esteem." needs clarification. This statement is not entirely accurate. Abusers may display a façade of high self-esteem, but beneath it, they often have deep-seated insecurities. It's important to highlight that abusive behavior stems from a desire to control and dominate, rather than genuine self-worth.
Choice C rationale:
The statement "I know that abusers lack social supports and social skills." is inaccurate. Abusers can have social supports and social skills. Domestic violence is not solely determined by the lack of social skills or support; it is a complex issue rooted in power dynamics and learned behaviors.
Choice D rationale:
The statement "I have heard that abusers try to keep their partner isolated from others." is accurate and aligned with the understanding of domestic violence dynamics. Abusers frequently isolate their partners to maintain control over them, making it difficult for victims to seek help or support from others.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice D.
Choice A rationale: This statement reflects anger and frustration, which are characteristic of the anger stage of grief. The individual is expressing disbelief in the doctor's competence but is not denying the reality of their diagnosis.
Choice B rationale: This statement indicates acceptance and acknowledgment of the physical effects of the disease. The client recognizes their lack of energy but is not denying their condition, suggesting they are in a more advanced stage of the grieving process.
Choice C rationale: This statement reflects acceptance of the situation and gratitude towards the doctor. The client acknowledges the efforts made by the medical team and recognizes the inevitability of their condition, indicating they are in the acceptance stage of grief.
Choice D rationale: This statement indicates denial as the client doubts the doctor's prognosis and believes the doctor is exaggerating. Denial is a common initial reaction where the individual struggles to accept the reality of their diagnosis, instead choosing to believe it is not as severe.
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