A nurse is assigned to care for several clients on a mental health unit. One of the clients who has suicidal ideation starts to verbalize clear intent to self harm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Request the client’s caregivers to remain with the client.
Notify the supervisor that the client requires one to one nursing observation
Assign the client to, a private room.
Increase the frequency of client assessment to hourly.
The Correct Answer is B
A) "Request the client’s caregivers to remain with the client.": While having caregivers present can provide some emotional support, this is not a sufficient or appropriate intervention when a client is actively expressing intent to self-harm. Caregivers may not be trained to recognize subtle changes in the client’s condition, and they might not be able to provide the level of safety required. It is essential that a trained nurse or professional provides direct observation.
B) "Notify the supervisor that the client requires one-to-one nursing observation.": This is the most appropriate and immediate action when a client verbalizes a clear intent to self-harm. One-to-one nursing observation ensures that the client is under constant surveillance, which is crucial for preventing harm and providing immediate intervention if the client attempts to act on their suicidal thoughts.
C) "Assign the client to a private room.": Assigning the client to a private room is not a recommended action when the client is expressing intent to self-harm. In fact, isolation in a private room could increase the risk of harm. The priority is to ensure the client is closely monitored, and being placed in a private room may reduce the ability for staff to observe and intervene as needed.
D) "Increase the frequency of client assessment to hourly.": While increasing the frequency of assessments is important, it is not sufficient to prevent self-harm in a client who is at immediate risk. The client needs continuous observation to ensure their safety. One-to-one nursing observation is more effective than periodic assessments for clients with active suicidal ideation or intent.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Facial erythema is not a primary diagnostic feature of this specific respiratory bacterial infection. While intense coughing fits may cause temporary facial flushing or venous congestion, it is not a hallmark finding. Conditions like fifth disease or slapped-cheek syndrome are more likely to present with persistent malar rashes. This sign lacks the specificity required for a pertussis diagnosis.
B. Peeling of the skin on the extremities, known as desquamation, is classically associated with Kawasaki disease or scarlet fever. Bordetella pertussis does not typically produce the exotoxin profile necessary to cause significant integumentary shedding or widespread dermatological involvement. The pathology of pertussis is primarily localized to the ciliated epithelium of the respiratory tract. It is not an exfoliative disease.
C. In the catarrhal phase of the infection, a low-grade temperature is a standard clinical finding as the immune system responds to the initial bacterial colonization. The presence of systemic inflammation results in mild pyrexia alongside coryza. This manifestation is most prominent before the onset of the characteristic paroxysmal cough. Fever helps differentiate early pertussis from non-inflammatory conditions.
D. A beefy, red tongue, often described as a strawberry tongue, is a classic sign of scarlet fever or toxic shock syndrome. This manifestation occurs due to capillary permeability and inflammation of the lingual papillae caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. Pertussis involves the respiratory mucosa rather than the oral structures or the tongue. This symptom indicates a different bacterial or inflammatory etiology.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"B","dropdown-group-2":"C"}
Explanation
B. A chest X-ray: The client’s symptoms (cough, blood-tinged sputum, night sweats, fever, and weight loss) are concerning for tuberculosis (TB) or another pulmonary infection. A chest X-ray is a key diagnostic tool to assess for lung abnormalities, including TB infiltrates or cavitations.
D. A Mantoux test: The Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST) is used to screen for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Given the client’s recent travel to South Africa, a high TB prevalence area, and their symptoms, TB testing is crucial.
Incorrect:
A. A pulmonary function test: This evaluates chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, but is not a first-line test for an acute cough with systemic symptoms.
C. A nasopharyngeal swab: This is used for diagnosing viral infections like influenza or COVID-19, which are less likely given the client’s blood-tinged sputum and prolonged systemic symptoms.
E. Blood cultures: These are used to detect bacteremia or sepsis, but there is no indication of systemic bacterial infection (e.g., hemodynamic instability, severe leukocytosis).
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