A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder. The client says to the nurse, “Give me your pen to cut the pain out of my chest.” The nurse should identify that the client is at risk for which of the following?
Illusion
Hallucination
Attention-seeking behavior
Self-mutilation
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
An illusion is a misinterpretation of a real external stimulus. For example, seeing a shadow and thinking it is a person. The client’s statement does not indicate a misinterpretation of reality but rather a desire to inflict harm on themselves.
Choice B reason:
A hallucination is a false sensory perception without any real external stimulus, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there. The client’s statement does not suggest they are experiencing a hallucination but rather expressing a desire to self-harm.
Choice C reason:
Attention-seeking behavior involves actions taken to gain attention from others. While the client’s statement could be seen as a cry for help, it is more accurately identified as a risk for self-mutilation due to the explicit mention of wanting to cut themselves.
Choice D reason:
Self-mutilation refers to deliberate self-inflicted harm, often as a way to cope with emotional pain. The client’s statement, “Give me your pen to cut the pain out of my chest,” clearly indicates a risk for self-mutilation, as they are expressing a desire to harm themselves to alleviate emotional distress.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
A teenager who refuses to participate in the planned therapy does not necessarily meet the criteria for involuntary commitment. Refusal to participate in therapy can be addressed through other means, such as motivational interviewing or adjusting the treatment plan to better engage the client.
Choice B reason:
A 24-year-old client who refuses to take the prescribed medication also does not automatically qualify for involuntary commitment. Non-compliance with medication can be managed through education, support, and exploring the reasons behind the refusal. Involuntary commitment is typically reserved for situations where the client poses a danger to themselves or others.
Choice C reason:
A 45-year-old client who is homeless and has been diagnosed with a mental disorder may need support and resources, but homelessness and a mental health diagnosis alone do not justify involuntary commitment. The focus should be on providing housing and mental health services rather than involuntary hospitalization.
Choice D reason:
An elderly client who is confused, screaming obscenities in the street, and disturbing neighbors is exhibiting behavior that may pose a risk to themselves or others. This situation suggests a level of acute distress or potential danger that could warrant involuntary commitment to ensure the client’s safety and provide necessary treatment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While assisting the staff in caring for the client in a controlled environment is important, the immediate priority is to ensure safety. This choice does not directly address the immediate need to protect all clients from potential harm.
Choice B reason:
Providing safety for the client and other clients on the unit is the immediate priority. The client’s aggressive behavior poses a risk to themselves and others, and ensuring safety is the first step in managing the situation. This involves de-escalation techniques and possibly removing the client from the group setting to prevent harm.
Choice C reason:
Providing a sense of comfort and safety is important but secondary to ensuring immediate physical safety. The client’s aggressive behavior needs to be managed first to prevent any potential harm.
Choice D reason:
Offering the client a less stimulated area to calm down is a good strategy for de-escalation, but it comes after ensuring the immediate safety of all clients. The primary concern is to prevent any aggressive actions that could harm others.
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