A nurse is working with a client who has frequent angry outbursts which is disrupting life at home. Which statement by the nurse is most helpful when working with this client?

"You can reduce your anger by hitting a punching bag."

"You need to learn how to be less assertive in your communications."

"You need to learn to suppress these angry feelings."

"Anger is a normal feeling, and you can use it to solve problems

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Option D is the most helpful statement when working with a client who has frequent angry outbursts. It acknowledges that anger is a normal emotion that everyone experiences at times. Additionally, it provides a positive perspective on anger, suggesting that it can be used constructively to solve problems.

Anger itself is not a negative emotion; it becomes problematic when it is expressed inappropriately or disruptively. By validating the client's feelings and reframing anger as a potential tool for problem-solving, the nurse can help the client explore healthier ways to cope with and express their emotions.

Options A, B, and C are not as helpful in this situation:

A. "You can reduce your anger by hitting a punching bag." - While physical activity can help release pent-up emotions, this statement focuses solely on a physical outlet for anger and does not address the underlying issues causing the frequent angry outbursts.

B. "You need to learn how to be less assertive in your communications." - This statement suggests that the client's assertiveness is the problem, which may not be the case. Instead, the nurse should focus on helping the client develop healthier ways to express their emotions and communicate effectively.

C. "You need to learn to suppress these angry feelings." - Encouraging the suppression of emotions is not a healthy coping mechanism. Suppressing anger can lead to increased stress and may result in more intense outbursts later on. The nurse should help the client learn constructive ways to manage and express their anger.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Explanation: When completing a family assessment for a victim of intimate partner violence, the nurse may identify characteristics of the abuser that contribute to the abusive behavior. Among the options provided, "Needy and possessive of the partner" is the characteristic of the abuser. Abusers often display controlling behavior, which includes possessiveness and excessive need for control over their partners. This possessiveness may manifest as jealousy, isolation, and an attempt to limit the victim's freedom and independence.

A. An ability to feel remorse for the abuse - This characteristic is less likely to be present in an abuser. Abusers often exhibit a lack of remorse for their abusive behavior and may blame the victim or external factors for their actions.

C. An inflated sense of self-esteem - While some abusers may exhibit arrogance and an inflated sense of self-importance, it is not a defining characteristic of all abusers.

D. Encourages the partner to have a life outside the intimate relationship - Abusers typically do the opposite; they often seek to isolate their victims from their support systems and limit their social interactions outside the abusive relationship.

A. "You may be in more physical danger after you leave them." B. "Batterers never change, so it would be best for you to leave." C. "If you leave, maybe your partner will see that they have to change their behavior." D. "If you don't leave. your partner will think you're going to continue to endure the abuse."

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

This is the best response because it acknowledges the client’s statement while providing realistic, evidence-based information. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and domestic violence research, the period immediately after leaving an abusive partner is often the most dangerous, as abusers may escalate threats or violence when they feel a loss of control. This response validates the client’s concerns, offers safety awareness, and opens the door for further discussion about creating a safety plan.

option B generalizes that all batterers never change, which may not be true for all situations and individuals.

Option C suggeststhat leaving will make the partner change is inappropriate and unsafe. This could give the client false hope that the abuser’s behavior will improve, when evidence shows that abusive partners rarely change without intensive intervention.

Option D may imply a threat or ultimatum, which is not appropriate and can be disempowering for the client. The most important aspect of supporting someone in an abusive relationship is to provide a non-judgmental, understanding, and empowering environment where they can explore their options and make decisions that are best for their safety and well-being.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is working with a client who has frequent angry outbursts which is disrupting life at home. Which statement by the nurse is most helpful when working with this client?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is completing a family assessment for a victim of intimate partner violence. Which characteristic of the abuser will the nurse identify when completing the assessment?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is working with a client at the battered women's shelter who is in a violent and abusive relationship. The client is considering a separation and asks the nurse. "What do you think about that?" Which is the best response by the nurse?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client is manipulative with staff and disruptive in the milieu. Although the client is not demonstrating behaviors that are a threat to self or others, they are refusing all medications. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

A client with depression is admitted for voluntary treatment. While in the hospital, the client makes several comments about leaving the facility and kiling themselves with their gun. Which is the most appropriate action by the nurse when the client requests to leave against medical advice?

The nurse approaches a client who looks very sad and is sitting alone crying. Which is the best response by the nurse in this situation?

The nurse working in an outpatient clinic is performing an intake assessment for a female client. Which priority question will the nurse ask the client as part of the initial assessment?

A client who has been physically aggressive arrives at the emergency department for a psychiatric assessment. Which approach would be best for the nurse to use?

A nurse observes another nurse acting flirtatiously and bringing small gifts, such as candy, to a client in the behavioral health unit. Which action is a priority by the observing nurse?

The nurse is caring for a client who has been a victim of abuse since childhood. Which action(s) by the nurse is important so that the client feels safe, secure, and in control of their own body? Select all that apply. (Select All that Apply.)