A nurse is caring for an adolescent who has a history of violent behavior and has asked the nurse to keep confidential information about he desire to kill several classmates and a school teacher. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate to give?

"I can see that you trust me, but you should share those feelings with your psychiatrist, not me."

I will not violate our nurse-client relationship. The information we discuss will remain confidential between us."

"Because you are a minor, I have to share any information that I feel is important with your parents."

"I cannot promise that. I must share this information with other members of the team who are responsible for planning your care,"

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. "I can see that you trust me, but you should share those feelings with your psychiatrist, not me."

While encouraging the client to discuss their feelings with a mental health professional is important, this response does not address the immediate safety concern presented by the client's intent to harm others.

B. "I will not violate our nurse-client relationship. The information we discuss will remain confidential between us."

This response is inappropriate because it implies that the nurse will keep the information confidential, even though the client's statement raises concerns about the safety of others.

C. "Because you are a minor, I have to share any information that I feel is important with your parents."

While parents may have the right to be informed about their minor child's well-being, this situation goes beyond parental involvement. The nature of the threat requires immediate intervention from appropriate professionals and authorities.

"D. I cannot promise that. I must share this information with other members of the team who are responsible for planning your care."

Explanation: The client's statement about having a desire to harm others, especially classmates and a school teacher, raises significant concerns about the safety and well-being of not only the client but also the potential victims. In cases where the client poses a risk of harm to themselves or others, the nurse has a duty to breach confidentiality to ensure the safety of all involved parties. This response conveys the nurse's ethical obligation to involve other members of the treatment team and appropriate authorities to address the potential threat.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. "You are being unreasonable, and I will not call your doctor at this hour."

This response is confrontational and dismissive of the client's request. It does not promote a therapeutic interaction and might escalate the situation.

B. "Go back to your room, and I'll try to get in touch with your doctor."

This response might temporarily calm the client, but it’s misleading if the nurse does not intend to call the doctor. It also avoids addressing the client's immediate emotional needs and could result in a loss of trust if the nurse doesn’t follow through.

C. "You must be very upset about something."

This is the most therapeutic response. It acknowledges the client’s feelings without judgment and opens up communication. It allows the nurse to explore the client’s concerns, which is essential in providing appropriate care and support in a psychiatric setting.

D. "I can't call a doctor in the middle of the night unless it's an emergency."

While this statement is factually correct, it can come across as dismissive and could escalate the client's agitation. It does not acknowledge the client's emotions and might make the client feel that their concerns are not being taken seriously.

A. A client exhibiting psychotic behavior B. A client who has been taking amitriptyline for 3 months for depression C. A client who is experiencing alcohol intoxication D. A client admitted 12 hr ago for acute mania

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. A client exhibiting psychotic behavior

Group therapy is generally not recommended for clients who are actively exhibiting psychotic behavior. Psychotic behavior can include hallucinations, delusions, and severe thought disturbances, which might impede the individual's ability to effectively participate and benefit from group therapy. Such clients often require more immediate and individualized attention to address their acute symptoms.

B. A client who has been taking amitriptyline for 3 months for depression

This is the correct choice. A client who has been taking amitriptyline for 3 months for depression is likely to have their symptoms more stabilized and under better control compared to acute situations. They might be at a stage where they can engage in group therapy to discuss their experiences, coping strategies, and learn from others in a similar situation.

C. A client who is experiencing alcohol intoxication

Group therapy is not appropriate for clients who are currently intoxicated, as their ability to actively participate and engage in therapeutic discussions may be compromised. Addressing the effects of alcohol intoxication and ensuring the client's safety would be a priority before considering group therapy.

D. A client admitted 12 hours ago for acute mania

Clients admitted for acute mania often require stabilization and intervention to manage their manic symptoms. In the early stages of admission, they might not be in a state conducive to group therapy. Once their acute symptoms are better controlled and they have had time to stabilize, they could potentially benefit from group therapy as part of their overall treatment plan.

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A nurse is caring for an adolescent who has a history of violent behavior and has asked the nurse to keep confidential information about he desire to kill several classmates and a school teacher. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate to give?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse who works in a psychiatric unit is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder. The client comes to the nurse's station at 0300 demanding that the nurse call the provider immediately. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse in a psychiatric unit is caring for several clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse recommend for group therapy?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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