A nurse in a mental health facility is reinforcing teaching to a newly licensed nurse about how to perform an Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) test on a client. The charge nurse should identify that the AIMS test is used for which of the following conditions?

A. "Provide reassurance and comfort ensuring the client is safe." Clients with schizophrenia experiencing confusion and thought distortions require reassurance and safety measures first. Confusion can increase the risk of self-harm or agitation, making safety a priority. Comforting the client and providing a structured environment can help reduce anxiety. Ensuring a calm and safe setting supports symptom management and overall well-being.
B. "Ensure the client goes to group activities as planned." While group activities can promote socialization, a client experiencing confusion and thought distortions may struggle to participate. Forcing group engagement without addressing immediate needs can increase distress. Individualized interventions should be prioritized before encouraging group involvement. Ensuring safety and reducing anxiety are more immediate concerns.
C. "Give PRN medications to treat increased hallucinations." PRN medications may help manage symptoms but are not the first priority. Assessing and ensuring safety takes precedence before administering medications. The nurse should first provide reassurance and evaluate the severity of symptoms. Medication is important, but nonpharmacological interventions should be attempted first when possible. Ensuring safety remains the immediate concern in managing schizophrenia-related confusion.
D. "Use distraction such as the television or music." While distraction techniques can be beneficial, they do not directly address confusion or distorted thinking. The client may require more structured interventions to reorient them and provide reassurance. Music or television might help in stable periods but may not be effective in acute distress. Ensuring the client’s safety and reducing distress are higher priorities in immediate care.

A. Exhaustion phase. The exhaustion phase occurs when the body's ability to cope with stress is depleted, leading to physical and psychological impairments such as fatigue, burnout, and increased susceptibility to illness. This phase does not align with maintaining performance over an extended period.
B. Alarm phase. The alarm phase is the initial reaction to stress, activating the sympathetic nervous system and triggering the "fight-or-flight" response. While it provides a short-term boost in alertness and energy, it is not sustainable for weeks to months without impairment.
C. Resistance phase. The resistance phase allows the body to adapt to prolonged stress, maintaining homeostasis and function without significant observable impairment. During this phase, the individual continues to perform duties effectively despite ongoing stress.
D. Adaptive phase. The General Adaptation Syndrome does not include an "adaptive phase." Adaptation occurs within the resistance phase, making this answer incorrect.