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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
choice C, "I have heard that abusers think of themselves as important and have high self-esteem." This statement is incorrect and shows the nurse may need further education on the characteristics of an abuser. Abusers often lack self-esteem and feel powerless, using abuse as a way to gain control and confidence. Choices A, B, and D are all accurate statements and do not indicate the need for further education.
For choice A, abusers often isolate their partner to gain control over them. For choice B, abusers may lack social support and social skills, leading to violent behavior.
For choice D, abusers use intimidation tactics to maintain power in the relationship.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
When an assistive personnel expresses concerns or vents about client behaviors, a therapeutic response is necessary. Asking the AP to explain or to further describe his or her thoughts, feelings, or concerns will allow the AP to reflect on these issues and help clarify any misconceptions or misunderstandings. The nurse's response should be nonjudgmental, noncritical, and focused on the AP's perceptions and feelings.
Option A is confrontational and Option C is inappropriate because it suggests that the AP is not spending enough time with the client.
Option D shifts responsibility for managing the client's behavior to the nurse instead of helping the AP reflect on his or her perception of the situation.
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