A nurse is conversing with a client diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Suddenly, the client expresses fear, stating, “I’m scared.
Can you hear that? The voices are instructing me to do awful things.” Which of the following responses from the nurse would be suitable?
Why do you believe you are hearing voices?
What are the voices instructing you to do?
You need to comprehend that there are no voices.
Are the voices familiar to you?
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Asking "Why do you believe you are hearing voices?" is not a suitable response because it challenges the client's reality and can make them feel defensive or invalidated. It's important to validate the client's experience and avoid questioning the reality of their hallucinations.
It can also imply that the client is somehow responsible for their hallucinations, which can be stigmatizing and distressing.
It's more helpful to focus on the content of the hallucinations and how they are affecting the client, rather than on the cause of the hallucinations.
Choice B rationale:
Asking "What are the voices instructing you to do?" is a suitable response because it allows the nurse to assess the content of the hallucinations and the potential for harm.
This information can be used to develop a safety plan and to help the client manage their symptoms.
It also demonstrates to the client that the nurse is taking their concerns seriously and is interested in understanding their experience.
Choice C rationale:
Telling the client "You need to comprehend that there are no voices" is not a suitable response because it is dismissive of the client's experience and can make them feel like they are not being heard or understood.
It's important to remember that hallucinations are very real to the person experiencing them, and telling them that they are not real is not helpful.
It can also damage the therapeutic relationship between the nurse and the client.
Choice D rationale:
Asking "Are the voices familiar to you?" is not a suitable initial response because it is not directly relevant to the client's safety or to the assessment of their symptoms.
While it may be helpful to gather information about the nature of the voices at some point, the priority is to assess the potential for harm and to develop a safety plan.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice C.
Choice A rationale: While acknowledging the client's experience is important, this statement does not immediately address the content of the hallucinations, which could be crucial for assessing the client's safety.
Choice B rationale: Asking how often the client hears the voices is useful information for later, but it is not the immediate priority when first addressing auditory hallucinations.
Choice C rationale: Asking what the voices are telling the client is the priority. This helps the nurse assess if the hallucinations include commands or harmful content, which is essential for determining the client's immediate safety and risk of self-harm or harm to others.
Choice D rationale: Explaining that the voices are part of the client's illness can be useful for long-term understanding, but it does not address the immediate need to assess the content of the hallucinations.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administering an anti-anxiety medication may not be the most appropriate first action. While medication can help to reduce anxiety, it does not address the underlying issue of suicidal ideation. In some cases, medications can even increase the risk of suicide, especially in the first few weeks of treatment.
Instituting mouth checks to assure the medication is swallowed is not a standard practice in this situation. It is more important to focus on ensuring the client's safety and providing emotional support.
Choice B rationale:
Informing the provider about the client's statement is important, but it is not the first action that the nurse should take. The priority is to ensure the client's immediate safety.
The provider can be informed after the client has been stabilized and is no longer at immediate risk of harm.
Choice C rationale:
Assuring that a staff member stays with the client at all times is the most important first step in ensuring the client's safety. This will help to prevent the client from acting on their suicidal thoughts and provide an opportunity for the nurse to assess the client's risk for suicide and intervene as needed.
It also allows the nurse to provide emotional support and reassurance to the client.
Choice D rationale:
Questioning the client about a suicide plan and method is important, but it should not be done until the client's safety has been ensured. Asking about a suicide plan can be triggering for some clients and may increase their risk of suicide.
It is important to approach this topic sensitively and only when the client is feeling safe and supported.
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