A nurse is caring for a client who has factitious disorder. The client states, "I am so tired of living like this. Maybe I should just end it all." Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Assess the client for suicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm.
Determine if the client has entered one of their alter personalities.
Encourage the client to use relaxation techniques.
Encourage the client to participate in group therapy sessions.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Assess the client for suicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm. The client's statement about feeling tired of living and contemplating ending it all indicates a potential risk for suicide. It is essential for the nurse to conduct a thorough assessment of the client’s mental state, including any suicidal thoughts or plans, to ensure their safety.
B. Determine if the client has entered one of their alter personalities. This action is not relevant to factitious disorder, as it involves intentionally producing or feigning symptoms rather than dissociative identity disorder, which features the presence of distinct personality states.
C. Encourage the client to use relaxation techniques. While relaxation techniques can be beneficial for managing stress, they do not address the immediate risk of suicidal ideation and should not be prioritized over a safety assessment.
D. Encourage the client to participate in group therapy sessions. While group therapy can be beneficial, it may not be appropriate to encourage participation until the client's safety is ensured. Assessing for suicidal thoughts takes precedence to address any immediate risk to the client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Insist the client report the incident. While reporting the incident may be important, it is not appropriate to insist that the client do so, as this can create additional pressure and may lead to feelings of coercion. The client should be allowed to make their own choices regarding reporting.
B. Touch the client for reassurance. Touching the client without their consent can be intrusive and may not be welcome, especially after a trauma. It's essential to respect the client's personal space and boundaries.
C. Ask the client a series of questions about who assaulted them. While gathering information may be necessary, bombarding the client with questions immediately after a traumatic event can be overwhelming. It’s better to allow the client to share information at their own pace.
D. Allow the client to control the conversation. Empowering the client to control the discussion fosters a sense of safety and autonomy. It allows them to share their feelings and experiences when they feel ready, which is crucial for their emotional healing after an assault.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Somatic symptom disorder. This disorder involves excessive concern over physical symptoms that are actually present, even if they are mild. In contrast, illness anxiety disorder is characterized by intense fear of having a serious illness despite the absence of significant physical symptoms.
B. Factitious disorder. Factitious disorder involves deliberately fabricating or inducing symptoms to assume the sick role. In illness anxiety disorder, the client genuinely believes they are ill but does not intentionally create symptoms.
C. Functional neurological symptom disorder. This condition, previously called conversion disorder, involves neurological symptoms (e.g., paralysis, blindness) that cannot be explained by medical findings. Unlike illness anxiety disorder, these symptoms are involuntary and not focused on a fear of disease.
D. Illness anxiety disorder. This disorder, formerly known as hypochondriasis, involves excessive worry about having a severe illness despite little or no medical evidence. The client’s persistent health-related anxiety and frequent medical visits align with this diagnosis.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.