A nurse on a mental health unit is caring for a client who has generalized anxiety disorder. The client received a telephone call that was upsetting, and now the client is pacing up and down the corridors of the unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Have a staff member escort the client to her room.

Allow the client to pace alone until physically tired.

Instruct the client to sit down and stop pacing.

Walk with the client at a gradually slower pace.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A) Have a staff member escort the client to her room:

Having a staff member escort the client to her room might be perceived as restrictive and could potentially escalate the client's anxiety. It's important to give the client some autonomy and not force them into isolation.

B) Allow the client to pace alone until physically tired:

While allowing the client to pace alone might seem like a non-intrusive option, it lacks the therapeutic engagement that can help the client feel supported and understood. It's important for the nurse to actively engage with the client to establish a therapeutic relationship.

C) Instruct the client to sit down and stop pacing:

Instructing the client to stop pacing could potentially increase their agitation and anxiety. Forcing the client to sit down against their wishes might lead to resistance and hinder the development of trust between the nurse and the client.

D) Walk with the client at a gradually slower pace:

This is the correct answer. Walking with the client at a gradually slower pace is a therapeutic approach that allows the nurse to build rapport, provide support, and help the client regulate their emotions. It respects the client's need for movement while also addressing their emotional state.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. "Are you thinking of harming yourself?": Correct

This is the priority response because it directly addresses the client's statement about being better off gone, which raises concerns about potential suicidal thoughts. Asking this question allows the nurse to assess the client's risk of self-harm or suicide and take appropriate actions to ensure their safety.

B. "Do you really think your family would be better off without you?": Incorrect

While this response attempts to engage the client in a conversation, it doesn't directly address the immediate concern of suicidal thoughts. It's important to prioritize assessing the client's safety before exploring their feelings about their family's perspective.

C. "When did you first start feeling this way?": Incorrect

While understanding the client's history and the onset of their feelings is important, it's not the priority response in this situation. Assessing the client's risk of harm takes precedence over gathering historical information.

D. "Tell me what is happening right now.": Incorrect

This response doesn't directly address the client's statement about being better off gone and doesn't assess the immediate risk of self-harm or suicide. While understanding the client's current situation is valuable, safety concerns should be addressed first.

A. Nystagmus B. Illusions C. Polyphagia D. Tremors E. Seizures

Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]

Explanation

A. Nystagmus: Nystagmus is not a typical manifestation of alcohol withdrawal. It is more commonly associated with intoxication or neurological conditions. Therefore, it is not included in the effects of alcohol withdrawal.

B. Illusions: Illusions (misinterpretations of external stimuli) are common during alcohol withdrawal, especially in severe cases such as withdrawal delirium (delirium tremens). Clients may misinterpret shadows or objects as threatening.

C. Polyphagia: Polyphagia (excessive eating) is not a recognized manifestation of alcohol withdrawal. Clients with withdrawal may experience nausea or a lack of appetite rather than an increased appetite.

D. Tremors: Tremors, often called "the shakes," are one of the most common early signs of alcohol withdrawal. They usually begin within hours after alcohol cessation.

E. Seizures: Seizures, specifically generalized tonic-clonic seizures, are a serious complication of alcohol withdrawal. They can occur within 6–48 hours after the last drink and are part of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

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A nurse on a mental health unit is caring for a client who has generalized anxiety disorder. The client received a telephone call that was upsetting, and now the client is pacing up and down the corridors of the unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who has major depressive disorder states to the nurse that he and his family would be better off if he were gone. Which of the following is the nurse's priority response?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a newly-admitted client about the possible physical effects of alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following manifestation should the nurse include in the reaching? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]

Explanation

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