A nurse is assisting in the admission process for a client who has a history of violent behavior. The client stands up and begins clenching her fists and arguing with the nurse. Which of the following actions is the priority?

This response acknowledges the client's expressed desire not to talk and respects their boundaries. It shows support and presence by offering companionship without pressuring the client to discuss their feelings. The nurse's willingness to sit with the client demonstrates empathy and provides a sense of comfort and reassurance.
The other options are not as appropriate:

1. "It might help you feel better if you talk about it." This response disregards the client's stated preference not to talk and may create a sense of pressure or intrusiveness. It is important to respect the client's autonomy and readiness to share their feelings.
2. "Why are you feeling so down?" This response directly asks the client to explain their feelings, which they have already indicated they do not want to discuss. It can be seen as intrusive and may make the client feel uncomfortable or defensive.
3. "I understand. I've felt like that before, too." While empathy is important, this response brings the focus back to the nurse's own experiences, potentially diverting the attention from the client. It is important for the nurse to remain focused on the client's needs and create a supportive environment for them to express their feelings if they choose to do so.

Involuntary commitment refers to the legal process by which an individual is admitted to a psychiatric facility for treatment against their will. The decision to involuntarily commit someone is typically based on the assessment that their behavior poses a risk of harm to themselves or others. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to inform the client's family that the reason for the involuntary commitment is the client's behavior being a threat to their own safety or the safety of others.

A."A psychiatrist determines that the client's behavior is irrational." This statement is incorrect because irrational behavior alone is not sufficient grounds for involuntary commitment.

Involuntary commitment is typically based on the assessment that the individual's behavior poses a risk of harm to themselves or others, rather than solely on the basis of irrational behavior.

B. "The client is unable to manage the affairs necessary for daily life." While the inability to manage daily affairs may be a factor considered in the overall assessment of a client's condition, it is not the sole criterion for involuntary commitment. Involuntary commitment is primarily focused on the risk of harm posed by the individual's behavior, rather than their ability to manage daily life tasks.

D. "The client has been accused of breaking the law." Accusations of breaking the law are not the basis for involuntary commitment. Involuntary commitment is based on the assessment that the individual's behavior presents a risk of harm to themselves or others. Legal issues are addressed separately through the legal system and are not directly related to the criteria for involuntary commitment.