A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client to an acute mental health unit following a suicide attempt. The client has a history of depression, substance abuse, and anorexia nervosa. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Initiate one-to-one nursing observation.

Make a contract with the client for weight gain.

Administer the Hamilton depression scale.

Review the client's toxicology laboratory report.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

initiate one-to-one nursing observation, as this is the most urgent intervention to ensure the safety of the client. The client has a history of depression, substance abuse, anorexia nervosa, and attempted suicide, which indicates that they are at high risk for harm to themselves. One-to-one observation involves an assigned staff member who will be with the client at all times, ensuring their safety and preventing any further self-harm attempts.

Choice B, making a contract with the client for weight gain, is not an appropriate first action as it does not address the client's immediate safety concerns.

Choice C, administering the Hamilton depression scale, may be important to assess the client's depressive symptoms but is not the most urgent priority.

Choice D, reviewing the client's toxicology laboratory report, may be necessary for the overall assessment of the client, but safety comes first.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse should walk with the client at a gradually slowing pace when caring for a client with a generalized anxiety disorder who is rapidly pacing the corridors of the unit. This intervention provides the client with support and helps to prevent the client from becoming overwhelmed or getting injured. Allowing the client to pace alone until physically tired.

choice A can increase the sense of isolation and anxiety. Asking a small group of other clients to walk with the client.

choice C may be inappropriate or even harmful in some cases. Calmly instructing the client to stop pacing and sit in the dayroom.

choice D can be perceived by the client as dismissive and may escalate the anxiety level. The nurse should work with the client and their family to develop an individualized plan of care that meets the client's needs and goals.

A. Encourage verbalization of feelings. B. Provide an activity for diversion. C. Remain with the client. D. Have the client identify two coping skills.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

If a client reports acute anxiety, the nurse's first priority should be to remain with the client. The nurse should provide a safe, supportive environment for the client and help the client feel less anxious. This can be accomplished by staying with the client, listening attentively to the client, and offering reassurance and support. Options A and D are appropriate actions to take when caring for a client with anxiety, but they are not the first priority.

Option B may be an appropriate intervention when caring for a client with anxiety, but it is not the first priority.

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A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client to an acute mental health unit following a suicide attempt. The client has a history of depression, substance abuse, and anorexia nervosa. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse on an acute care mental health unit is caring for a client who has generalized anxiety disorder. The client received an upsetting telephone call and is now rapidly pacing the corridors of the unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who reports acute anxiety. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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