A nurse is assisting in a group therapy meeting and is sharing a humorous story unrelated to anyone in the group.
When the group laughs at the story, a client who has schizophrenia jumps up and runs out while yelling “You are all making fun of me!” Which of the following behaviors is this client displaying?

Choice A rationale:

Administering an anti-anxiety medication may not be the most appropriate first action. While medication can help to reduce anxiety, it does not address the underlying issue of suicidal ideation. In some cases, medications can even increase the risk of suicide, especially in the first few weeks of treatment.

Instituting mouth checks to assure the medication is swallowed is not a standard practice in this situation. It is more important to focus on ensuring the client's safety and providing emotional support.

Choice B rationale:

Informing the provider about the client's statement is important, but it is not the first action that the nurse should take. The priority is to ensure the client's immediate safety.

The provider can be informed after the client has been stabilized and is no longer at immediate risk of harm.

Choice C rationale:

Assuring that a staff member stays with the client at all times is the most important first step in ensuring the client's safety. This will help to prevent the client from acting on their suicidal thoughts and provide an opportunity for the nurse to assess the client's risk for suicide and intervene as needed.

It also allows the nurse to provide emotional support and reassurance to the client.

Choice D rationale:

Questioning the client about a suicide plan and method is important, but it should not be done until the client's safety has been ensured. Asking about a suicide plan can be triggering for some clients and may increase their risk of suicide.

It is important to approach this topic sensitively and only when the client is feeling safe and supported.

Choice C rationale:

Sodium level is a critical electrolyte that plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve and muscle function, and blood pressure. Naltrexone, one of the medications the patient is taking, has the potential to cause hyponatremia (low sodium levels) as a side effect. Hyponatremia can manifest with various symptoms, including headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures, and even coma in severe cases. Prompt recognition and management of hyponatremia are crucial to prevent serious complications.

Rationale for Immediate

Potential for Hyponatremia: Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, can interfere with the body's ability to regulate sodium levels, leading to hyponatremia.

Serious Consequences of Hyponatremia: Low sodium levels can disrupt vital bodily functions, potentially causing neurological symptoms, seizures, and even coma.

Need for Prompt Intervention: Early detection and correction of hyponatremia are essential to prevent adverse outcomes.

Monitoring and Management: The nurse should assess the patient's sodium level, monitor for signs and symptoms of hyponatremia, and initiate appropriate interventions as needed, such as fluid restriction or electrolyte replacement.

Choice D rationale:

Hepatitis Viral Study (HAA) results are essential for determining the patient's hepatitis A status. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that can cause significant illness. Fluoxetine, the other medication the patient is taking, can potentially cause liver damage in rare cases. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that the patient does not have hepatitis A before initiating or continuing Fluoxetine therapy.

Rationale for Immediate

Potential Liver Injury: Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), has a rare but potential risk of hepatotoxicity (liver damage).

Hepatitis A Risk: Hepatitis A infection can further exacerbate liver injury, increasing the risk of complications.

Baseline Assessment: HAA results provide information about the patient's hepatitis A status, aiding in risk assessment and management decisions.

Monitoring and Precautions: If the patient tests positive for hepatitis A, the nurse should initiate appropriate precautions to prevent transmission and closely monitor liver function during Fluoxetine therapy.