A nurse is providing information for a client who has a new prescription for simvastatin. For which of the following should the nurse instruct the client to monitor and report to the provider?

The correct answer is choice A. “Would you like to speak to a spiritual advisor?”.

This statement shows respect for the client’s spirituality and offers support without imposing the nurse’s beliefs or values. Spirituality focuses on the significance and purpose of life and can help clients cope with depression and terminal illness.

Choice B is wrong because it implies that the client needs medication to deal with their feelings, which can be dismissive and insensitive.

Antianxiety medication may be appropriate for some clients, but it should not be the first option.

Choice C is wrong because it assumes that the client is ready to discuss advance directives, which may not be the case.

Advance directives are legal documents that specify the client’s wishes for end-of-life care, such as resuscitation, organ donation, or power of attorney.

The nurse should assess the client’s readiness and understanding before initiating this conversation.

Choice D is wrong because it suggests that the client is close to death and needs hospice care, which can be discouraging and frightening. Hospice care is an interdisciplinary team effort that provides palliative care for clients who have a terminal illness and a life expectancy of less than 6 months.

The nurse should explain the benefits of hospice care and obtain the client’s consent before making a referral.

The correct answer is choice C: “Do you have thoughts of harming yourself?”.

This is the priority question for the nurse to ask the client because it assesses the client’s risk for suicide, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of conduct disorder. The nurse should use a direct and nonjudgmental approach when asking about suicidal ideation and plan.

Choice A: “How do you get along with your peers at school?” is wrong because it is not the most urgent question to ask the client.

While it is important to assess the client’s social relationships and possible peer rejection, this can be done after addressing the client’s safety and mental status.

Choice B: “Do you have a criminal record?” is wrong because it is not relevant to the client’s current condition and might make the client feel defensive or stigmatized.

The nurse should avoid asking questions that imply blame or judgment and focus on the client’s strengths and coping skills.

Choice D: “How do you manage your behavior?” is wrong because it is not appropriate for the nurse to ask the client in an emergency department setting.

This question might imply that the client is responsible for their conduct disorder, which is a complex and multifactorial mental health condition. The nurse should collaborate with the client and their family to develop a behavior management plan that involves positive reinforcement, limit setting, and consistent consequences.

Normal ranges: According to the DSM-5, conduct disorder is characterized by a persistent pattern of behavior that violates the rights of others or societal norms.

The symptoms of conduct disorder include aggression, deceitfulness, destruction of property, serious rule violations, and lack of remorse.

Conduct disorder can cause significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning. The prevalence of conduct disorder is estimated to be 4% among children and adolescents.

The risk factors for conduct disorder include genetic factors, neurobiological factors, environmental factors, and psychological factors.