A nurse is admitting a client who has schizophrenia. The client states, "I'm hearing voices." Which of the following responses is the priority for the nurse to state?
"What are the voices telling you?"
"Have you taken your medication today?"
"I realize the voices are real to you, but I don't hear anything."
"How long have you been hearing the voices?"
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is Choice A.
Choice A rationale: “What are the voices telling you?” This is the priority response because it directly addresses the client’s immediate concern. The nurse is acknowledging the client’s experience and seeking to understand more about it. This can help the nurse assess the potential for harm to the client or others, as the voices may be instructing the client to engage in dangerous behaviors.
Choice B rationale: “Have you taken your medication today?” While medication adherence is important in managing schizophrenia, this response does not address the client’s immediate concern about hearing voices. It may also come across as dismissive of the client’s experience.
Choice C rationale: “I realize the voices are real to you, but I don’t hear anything.” This response validates the client’s experience, but it does not gather further information about what the voices are saying, which is crucial for assessing safety.
Choice D rationale: “How long have you been hearing the voices?” While this question is relevant for understanding the client’s history and the progression of their illness, it is not the priority response. The immediate concern should be what the voices are saying to assess for potential harm.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Changing the inner cannula on a tracheostomy is within the legal scope of practice for registered nurses. Nurses are trained to perform tracheostomy care, including changing the inner cannula. This procedure is within the nursing scope of practice and does not require a physician's intervention.
Choice B rationale:
Inserting a tunneled central venous catheter (such as a Hickman line) is a specialized procedure that generally falls under the scope of practice for advanced practice nurses (such as nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists) or physicians. RNs typically do not have the required training or authority to perform this invasive procedure.
Choice C rationale:
Irrigation of an external ear canal is within the legal scope of practice for registered nurses. Ear irrigation is a common nursing procedure used to remove impacted cerumen (earwax) and foreign bodies from the ear canal. Nurses are trained to perform this procedure safely and effectively.
Choice D rationale:
Administering blood products, including platelet transfusions, is within the legal scope of practice for an RN. RNs are responsible for preparing, verifying, and administering blood products according to institutional policies and procedures. This includes monitoring the patient during and after the transfusion for any adverse reactions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Encouraging the client to lie down in a quiet room is not specifically related to addressing auditory hallucinations.
B. Incorrect. Referring to hallucinations as if they are real can reinforce the client's delusions or hallucinations.
C. Incorrect. Avoiding eye contact can be perceived as dismissive or uninterested.
D. Correct. Asking the client directly about their hallucinations helps assess their content and severity, which is essential for developing an effective plan of care.
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