A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has a new diagnosis of schizophrenia. The client's parents are tearful and express feelings of guilt. Which of the following is an appropriate statement by the nurse?

Answer is d. Situational.

a. Maturational crisis: This type of crisis occurs in response to life transitions or developmental stages, such as marriage, parenthood, retirement, or aging. It involves challenges related to adjusting to new roles, responsibilities, or expectations. However, the client's denial of a new HIV diagnosis and refusal of treatment do not align with the characteristics of a maturational crisis, as it pertains to planned life events rather than unexpected health crises.

b. Adventitious crisis: Adventitious crises are caused by events that are unplanned, unexpected, and often traumatic, such as natural disasters, accidents, or crimes. These crises can affect individuals, families, or communities and may result in significant psychological distress and disruption. However, the client's denial of an HIV diagnosis does not fit the criteria for an adventitious crisis, as it is a personal health issue rather than an external event affecting a broader population.

c. Internal crisis: While internal struggles and conflicts can contribute to a person's overall crisis experience, "internal crisis" is not a recognized category within the context of nursing crises. Internal factors such as psychological distress, unresolved trauma, or maladaptive coping mechanisms may exacerbate crisis situations, but they are typically addressed within the framework of other crisis categories such as situational, maturational, or existential crises.

d. Situational crisis: Correct. A situational crisis arises from an external event or situation that the individual finds overwhelming, threatening, or challenging to cope with. In this scenario, the client's denial of their HIV diagnosis and refusal of treatment represent a situational crisis as it stems from the unexpected news of their health condition. The client's perception of the diagnosis as threatening or inconceivable leads to emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms, which can hinder their ability to accept and manage their medical condition effectively.

In summary, the correct answer is d because the client's denial of their HIV diagnosis and refusal of treatment align with the characteristics of a situational crisis, which arises from an external event that the individual perceives as overwhelming or threatening. Understanding the nature of the crisis can guide the nurse in providing appropriate support, education, and intervention to help the client navigate through this challenging time and make informed decisions regarding their healthcare.

Choice A rationale:

Sweating is not an adverse effect commonly associated with buspirone (Buspar). While some side effects like dizziness, nausea, and headache might occur, sweating is not typically reported as a significant adverse effect of this medication.

Choice B rationale:

Decreased appetite is a potential adverse effect of buspirone (Buspar). However, it is not the most concerning in this context. Anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder can lead to appetite changes, and while this should be monitored, it is not a priority compared to more severe adverse effects.

Choice C rationale:

Discolored urine is not a common adverse effect of buspirone (Buspar). Buspirone is primarily used to treat anxiety and does not usually cause changes in urine color. This effect is unrelated to the medication and likely has a different underlying cause.

Choice D rationale:

Hallucinations are a concerning adverse effect that should be reported to the provider. Hallucinations are not a typical side effect of buspirone and might indicate a more serious issue or an interaction with other medications. Reporting this symptom promptly is crucial to ensuring the client's safety and well-being.