A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing active auditory hallucinations. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Tell the client that their experience is not real.
Avoid asking direct questions about the client's experience.
Focus the client on reality-based activities.
Convey sympathy for the client's experience.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Telling a client that their experience is not real can be invalidating and may damage the therapeutic relationship between the nurse and the client. It is essential to acknowledge the client's experience as real to them and provide support without reinforcing the hallucination.
Choice B reason: While it is important not to reinforce hallucinations, avoiding direct questions about the client's experience can hinder the nurse's ability to assess the client's condition fully. It is better to ask open-ended questions that allow the client to describe their experience without feeling judged.
Choice C reason: Focusing the client on reality-based activities can help distract them from the hallucinations and ground them in the present moment. Activities such as listening to music, engaging in conversation, or participating in a physical activity can help reduce the intensity of hallucinations and provide a sense of control.
Choice D reason: Conveying sympathy for the client's experience is compassionate and can help build trust. However, it is crucial to balance empathy with encouragement to engage in reality-based activities and strategies to manage the hallucinations effectively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
Potential Condition:
a) Schizophrenia
Choice A reason: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition characterized by symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and significant social or occupational dysfunction. The client’s symptoms, including mumbling as if talking to unseen others and the belief that someone is trying to poison them, are indicative of psychotic features commonly associated with schizophrenia. The prescribed medications, clozapine and risperidone, are antipsychotics often used in the treatment of schizophrenia, further supporting this diagnosis.
Actions to Take:
d) Place the client in a room near the nurses’ station This action allows for close observation and quick intervention if the client’s condition worsens or if they exhibit behaviors that could be harmful to themselves or others.
f) Maintain the client taking their prescribed medications Continuing the prescribed antipsychotic medications is crucial for managing the symptoms of schizophrenia and preventing exacerbation of the condition.
Parameters to Monitor:
j) Command hallucinations Monitoring for command hallucinations is important as they can lead to dangerous behaviors, including harm to self or others, if the client acts on these hallucinations.
l) Suicidal ideation Patients with schizophrenia are at an increased risk for suicide, especially during acute episodes or when experiencing command hallucinations. Regular assessment for suicidal ideation is a critical component of care.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Assisting the client to use new coping strategies is an important part of managing bipolar disorder, but it is not the first action a nurse should take when establishing a nurse-client relationship. Coping strategies will be more effective once a trusting relationship has been established and the client feels secure in sharing personal information.
Choice B reason: Establishing confidentiality guidelines with the client is the first and most crucial step in forming a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. It sets the foundation for trust and openness, ensuring the client understands that their personal information will be protected and shared only with those directly involved in their care.
Choice C reason: Helping the client to make behavioral changes is a goal in the treatment of bipolar disorder. However, before any interventions can be planned or implemented, the nurse must first establish a rapport and trust with the client, which begins with ensuring confidentiality.
Choice D reason: Sharing information with the client about their disorder is essential for their understanding and participation in care. However, this should occur after establishing a relationship in which the client feels comfortable and secure, knowing their privacy is respected.
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