A nurse is in the day room of an acute care mental health facility with a group of clients who are watching television.
Suddenly, one of the clients jumps up screaming and runs out of the room.
What should the nurse do next?
Ask the group what they think about the client’s behavior.
Stay with the group and ask another client to go and check on the situation.
Follow the client to determine the cause of the behavior.
Ignore the incident since it is an attention-seeking behavior.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Asking the group what they think about the client's behavior is not appropriate for several reasons. It could violate the client's confidentiality, it could create a sense of judgment or stigma among the group members, and it is unlikely to provide accurate or helpful information about the cause of the behavior. The nurse's primary responsibility is to the client who is experiencing distress, not to gather opinions from others.
Choice B rationale:
Staying with the group and asking another client to check on the situation is also not appropriate. It is the nurse's responsibility to assess and address the client's behavior, not to delegate this task to another client. This could potentially put the other client at risk, as they may not have the training or skills to handle the situation effectively. Additionally, it could create a sense of division or lack of support within the group.
Choice D rationale:
Ignoring the incident is never appropriate, as it could potentially endanger the client or others. It is important to remember that all behaviors have meaning, and even attention-seeking behaviors can be a sign of underlying distress. The nurse needs to assess the situation to determine the cause of the behavior and provide appropriate interventions.
Choice C rationale:
Following the client to determine the cause of the behavior is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take. This allows the nurse to assess the client's safety, provide support, and intervene as necessary. It also demonstrates to the client that the nurse is concerned and willing to help. Key considerations for the nurse:
Safety: The nurse's primary concern is always the safety of the client, themselves, and others. It's crucial to assess for any potential risks of harm and take appropriate precautions.
Assessment: Careful observation and assessment of the client's behavior, including verbal and nonverbal cues, can provide valuable insights into the underlying causes.
Communication: Establishing a calm, supportive, and non-judgmental communication with the client is essential to gain their trust and cooperation.
Intervention: The nurse may need to employ various interventions, such as de-escalation techniques, distraction, or medication, depending on the assessment and the client's needs.
Documentation: Thorough documentation of the incident, the nurse's assessment, and interventions is important for continuity of care and communication with other healthcare professionals.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
Choice C rationale:
Sodium level is a critical electrolyte that plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve and muscle function, and blood pressure. Naltrexone, one of the medications the patient is taking, has the potential to cause hyponatremia (low sodium levels) as a side effect. Hyponatremia can manifest with various symptoms, including headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures, and even coma in severe cases. Prompt recognition and management of hyponatremia are crucial to prevent serious complications.
Rationale for Immediate
Potential for Hyponatremia: Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, can interfere with the body's ability to regulate sodium levels, leading to hyponatremia.
Serious Consequences of Hyponatremia: Low sodium levels can disrupt vital bodily functions, potentially causing neurological symptoms, seizures, and even coma.
Need for Prompt Intervention: Early detection and correction of hyponatremia are essential to prevent adverse outcomes.
Monitoring and Management: The nurse should assess the patient's sodium level, monitor for signs and symptoms of hyponatremia, and initiate appropriate interventions as needed, such as fluid restriction or electrolyte replacement.
Choice D rationale:
Hepatitis Viral Study (HAA) results are essential for determining the patient's hepatitis A status. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that can cause significant illness. Fluoxetine, the other medication the patient is taking, can potentially cause liver damage in rare cases. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that the patient does not have hepatitis A before initiating or continuing Fluoxetine therapy.
Rationale for Immediate
Potential Liver Injury: Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), has a rare but potential risk of hepatotoxicity (liver damage).
Hepatitis A Risk: Hepatitis A infection can further exacerbate liver injury, increasing the risk of complications.
Baseline Assessment: HAA results provide information about the patient's hepatitis A status, aiding in risk assessment and management decisions.
Monitoring and Precautions: If the patient tests positive for hepatitis A, the nurse should initiate appropriate precautions to prevent transmission and closely monitor liver function during Fluoxetine therapy.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
- Answer and explanation The correct answers are:
Condition:
- Mania Actions:
- Daily weight
D. Suicidal behavior
Parameters to monitor:
Blood pressure and pulse rate
Food intake during meals
Rationale for condition:
Choice A: Mania
The client's presentation is consistent with the manic phase of bipolar disorder.
Key features of mania include:
Elevated mood or irritability
Increased energy and activity levels
Racing thoughts and rapid speech
Decreased need for sleep Impulsive behavior
Distractibility
Poor judgment
Grandiosity
Auditory hallucinations Rationale for actions:
Choice B: Daily weight
Weight loss is a common symptom of mania due to increased activity levels and decreased appetite.
Monitoring weight helps assess the severity of mania and the need for nutritional interventions.
Choice D: Suicidal behavior
Individuals with bipolar disorder are at increased risk for suicide, especially during manic episodes.
Close monitoring for suicidal ideation and behavior is crucial for safety.
Rationale for parameters to monitor:
Choice A: Blood pressure and pulse rate
Mania can lead to physiological changes such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Monitoring these vital signs helps assess the physical impact of mania and the potential need for medical interventions.
Choice C: Food intake during meals
As mentioned, decreased appetite is common in mania.
Monitoring food intake ensures adequate nutrition and prevents dehydration.
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