A nurse in a psychiatric unit is admitting a client who has self-inflicted cuts on their forearms. Which of the following is a priority response by the nurse?
"What coping methods help you when you feel bad?"
"Do you have thoughts of suicide?"
"Tell me why you hurt yourself."
"Who can we call to support you?"
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. "What coping methods help you when you feel bad?": While assessing coping mechanisms is important for long-term care planning, it does not immediately address the client's current risk for self-harm or suicide. This question is more appropriate after ensuring the client's safety.
B. "Do you have thoughts of suicide?": Determining if the client has suicidal ideation is the priority in this situation. Clients who self-harm may be at high risk for suicide, and direct questioning helps assess intent, plan, and urgency, which is crucial for ensuring immediate safety.
C. "Tell me why you hurt yourself.": Exploring the reasons behind self-injury can be valuable later during therapy or assessment, but it is not the first priority. The nurse must first evaluate the client’s current mental state and risk for further harm before exploring motives.
D. "Who can we call to support you?": Identifying a support system is important for discharge planning and ongoing therapy, but it does not address the immediate concern of suicide risk. Ensuring the client's current safety takes precedence over external support at the time of admission.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "You should appoint a family member as your health care surrogate.": While clients may choose a family member, they are not required to do so. The decision is personal, and clients can appoint anyone they trust, regardless of relation, to serve as their health care surrogate.
B. "Once you have completed a living will, it cannot be changed.": A living will can be revised or revoked at any time by the client as long as they remain mentally competent. Clients retain the right to alter their advance directives based on changes in preferences or health status.
C. "You will need an attorney to appoint a health care surrogate.": Appointing a health care surrogate does not require an attorney. Most states allow individuals to complete this process using standardized forms and witnesses, without the need for legal representation.
D. "Your health care surrogate will make decisions on your behalf if you are unable.": A health care surrogate is authorized to make medical decisions when the client is no longer capable of doing so. This ensures that the client’s preferences are respected even if they become incapacitated.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"A"}
Explanation
Rationale:
• Contact the provider for an antibiotic prescription: Contacting the provider ensures the client receives prompt intervention for a likely surgical site infection. The wound is inflamed and draining yellow pus, and the client has a fever and leukocytosis. Early treatment can prevent the progression to severe sepsis.
• Increase the volume on the television: Increasing the volume on the television can heighten sensory overload and worsen the client’s confusion. Delirium management involves reducing noise and visual stimuli, not adding to it. This approach does not promote orientation or calmness.
• Ask the client's partner to leave the room: Asking the client's partner to leave may remove a critical source of comfort and familiarity. Familiar people help reorient clients with delirium or confusion. Their presence often reduces agitation and promotes emotional security.
• Dim the lights: Dimming the lights reduces environmental overstimulation that may worsen delirium. The client is experiencing hallucinations and disorientation, which are often intensified in bright ICU settings. A calm setting supports cognitive clarity and comfort.
• Assist with elimination: Assisting with elimination is appropriate if the client shows signs of distress or discomfort. However, this need is not emergent compared to infection and altered mental status. Treating the underlying cause of delirium should take precedence.
• Place the client in 4-point restraints: Placing the client in 4-point restraints is a last resort when other safety measures fail. Restraints can escalate agitation and lead to injury or trauma. Delirium should be managed first with environmental and medical interventions.
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