A nurse is caring for an adolescent who states an intention to self-harm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Maintain continuous observation of the adolescent.

Apply wrist restraints to the adolescent.

Collect data about the adolescent's mental status.

Obtain consent from the adolescent's guardian for the application of restraints.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

The nurse should maintain continuous observation of the adolescent.

Choice A reason:

The first and most crucial action when a patient expresses an intention to self-harm is to ensure their safety. By maintaining continuous observation, the nurse can closely monitor the adolescent's behavior and intervene promptly if any signs of self-harm emerge. This action helps prevent immediate harm and allows for timely interventions.

Choice B reason:

Applying wrist restraints to the adolescent (Choice B) would not be appropriate in this situation. Restraints are typically used as a last resort for patients who pose a danger to themselves or others and only when less restrictive measures have failed. In the case of self- harm, using restraints can increase the patient's distress and potentially worsen the situation.

Choice C reason:

Collecting data about the adolescent's mental status (Choice C) is an essential step in understanding their overall condition, but it should not be the first action taken. While gathering data is important for a comprehensive assessment, immediate safety concerns must take precedence.

Choice D reason:

Obtaining consent from the adolescent's guardian for the application of restraints (Choice D) is not the first priority when the patient expresses an intention to self-harm. The focus should be on ensuring the patient's immediate safety, and consent for restraints may be necessary only if other interventions prove inadequate.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:

The FACES Scale is a visual pain scale typically used for children who can understand and verbalize their pain intensity. It consists of a series of faces with varying expressions, from smiling to crying, to help the child express their pain level. However, since the client in question is nonverbal and has cognitive and developmental delays, this scale may not be suitable as they might not be able to communicate using this tool effectively.

Choice B reason:

The Numerical Scale involves asking the patient to rate their pain on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain imaginable. While this scale is commonly used for older children and adults, it may not be appropriate for a nonverbal and developmentally delayed 9-year-old client, as they may not understand or be able to use numbers effectively to express their pain.

Choice C reason:

The FLACC pain assessment scale is designed for nonverbal or preverbal individuals, including children and those with cognitive impairments. FLACC stands for Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability. Each category is scored from 0 to 2 or 0 to 3, depending on the version used, based on specific observed behaviors. The scores are then totaled to give an overall pain assessment. This scale is particularly suitable for the current client's condition as it focuses on observable behaviors rather than verbal communication.

Choice D reason:

The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) requires the patient to mark a point along a line that represents their pain intensity, with one end indicating no pain and the other end indicating the worst pain. Although this scale is useful for older children and adults, it may not be appropriate for a 9-year-old client with cognitive and developmental delays who might not fully comprehend the concept of the scale.

A. "Drinking warm tea before bed can be helpful.” B. "Doing relaxation exercises before bed can be helpful.” C. "Sleeping on your right side can be helpful.” D. "Soaking in a hot tub for 60 minutes can be helpful.”

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

The nurse should not recommend drinking warm tea before bed for a pregnant client. Certain herbal teas might not be safe during pregnancy, and caffeine-containing teas should be limited due to their potential effects on the fetus. Therefore, it is best to avoid suggesting this option to the client.

Choice B reason:

This is the correct choice as relaxation exercises can be beneficial for pregnant clients who are experiencing difficulty sleeping. These exercises can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality without any adverse effects on the client or the baby.

Choice C reason:

The nurse should avoid recommending that the client sleep on their right side. While the left side is generally recommended during pregnancy to improve blood flow to the placenta and baby, sleeping on the right side is not harmful either. However, it is better to provide the most suitable option for promoting sleep, which is relaxation exercises as mentioned in Choice B.

Choice D reason:

Soaking in a hot tub for 60 minutes is not advisable during pregnancy. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures, such as in hot tubs or saunas, can raise the body's core temperature, potentially causing harm to the developing fetus. Pregnant individuals should avoid hot tubs to prevent overheating.

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A nurse is caring for an adolescent who states an intention to self-harm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

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