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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
"The client reports his heart is beating out of his chest." as this symptom is consistent with anxiety and the client's prescription is for PRN anxiety. Alprazolam is a medication used to treat anxiety disorders and symptoms of anxiety.
Choice A, "The client pretends to be a government agent," is not a symptom that would be treated with alprazolam.
Choice B, "The client reports seeing bugs crawling on the walls," may indicate the presence of a hallucination or other mental health symptom, but is not related to anxiety and is not an appropriate indication for alprazolam.
Choice C, "The client describes an increase in pain after receiving meperidine," indicates a potential adverse drug effect and is not related to anxiety or an indication for alprazolam.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Constipation. Constipation is a common symptom of anorexia nervosa, as it can result from severe food restriction, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or laxative abuse. People with anorexia may also experience abdominal pain and bloating due to constipation.
Choice A. Hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is a condition of high potassium levels in the blood. It is not a typical symptom of anorexia, as people with anorexia tend to have low potassium levels due to vomiting, diuretic use, or inadequate intake.
Hyperkalemia can cause irregular heart rhythms, muscle weakness, and paralysis.
Choice B. Tachycardia. Tachycardia is a condition of fast heart rate. It is not a common symptom of anorexia, as people with anorexia tend to have bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate. Bradycardia can result from starvation, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalance and can lead to cardiac arrest. Tachycardia can occur in some cases of anorexia due to dehydration, anxiety or refeeding syndrome.
Choice D. Metrorrhagia. Metrorrhagia is a condition of irregular or excessive bleeding between menstrual periods. It is not a usual symptom of anorexia, as people with anorexia tend to have amenorrhea, which is the absence of
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