A nurse is caring for a client who has depressive disorder, is in alcohol withdrawal, and reports a recent job loss. Which of the following should be the priority nursing intervention?
Identify support groups in the community for long-term treatment.
Assist the client to identify negative effects of chemical dependency.
Determine the presence and degree of suicidal risk.
Refer client to mental health care provider for evaluation and treatment.
The Correct Answer is C
The nurse should determine the presence and degree of suicidal risk when caring for a client who has a depressive disorder, is in alcohol withdrawal, and reports a recent job loss. This intervention is the priority because the client is at increased risk of suicidal ideation or behavior due to the combination of depression, alcohol withdrawal, and recent job loss. Identifying support groups in the community for long-term treatment.
choice A and referring the client to a mental health care provider for evaluation and treatment.
choice D are important interventions but are not the priority at this time. Assisting the client to identify the negative effects of chemical dependency.
choice B may be necessary but does not address the priority concern of suicidal risk.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The client is easily startled by loud voices. Clients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may exhibit hyperarousal symptoms, including exaggerated startle responses and hypervigilance. The client talking constantly about the traumatic experience is a possible finding in PTSD but not specific. The client is constantly drowsy and sleeping 11-12 hours daily is more associated with depression than PTSD. While the client may have satisfying personal relationships, it does not address the question of what finding to expect with PTSD, making choice C incorrect.
Reasons why the other choices are not answers:
Choice A, the client talking constantly about the traumatic experience, is a possible symptom of PTSD, but it is not specific to the disorder and may also indicate other disorders.
Choice B, the client being constantly drowsy and sleeping 11-12 hours daily, is more indicative of depression than PTSD and also does not address the question of finding expected with PTSD.
Choice C, the client reports satisfying personal relationships with family and close friends, does not address what finding is expected with PTSD, making it an incorrect answer.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
"The client learns to change negative thoughts into positive statements." This demonstrates the effective use of cognitive reframing, which involves changing negative thoughts into positive self-talk. This strategy can help to reduce stress and improve coping skills.
Choice A, "The client imagines being in a quiet, relaxing environment," is not an example of cognitive reframing, but rather an example of visualization, which can also be useful in reducing stress.
Choice B, "The client trains his mind to relax by using deep inner resources," is not an example of cognitive reframing, but rather an example of relaxation training.
Choice D, "The client learns the source of his stress by writing down daily events," is not an example of cognitive reframing, but rather an example of stress management through self-reflection.
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