A nurse on a mental health unit notices that a client is becoming increasingly agitated and throws a table when he is unable to select the television (TV) channel. Which of the following should be a priority action by the nurse?
Attempt to talk the client down.
Administer a PRN antianxiety medication.
Place the client in a monitored seclusion room until he is calm.
Restrain the client to prevent injury to himself or others.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Attempting to talk the client down is the priority action in this situation. Agitation can escalate to aggression or violence if not addressed appropriately. Engaging in therapeutic communication can help de-escalate the client's agitation, express understanding, and potentially find out the underlying cause of their distress. This approach prioritizes a non-pharmacological intervention.
Choice B rationale:
Administer a PRN antianxiety medication. While medication might be a consideration for managing agitation, it's generally not the first action to take. Non-pharmacological interventions, like therapeutic communication, should be attempted first to minimize the reliance on medications to manage behaviors.
Choice C rationale:
Place the client in a monitored seclusion room until he is calm. Placing a client in seclusion should be a last resort and should only be done when there's an immediate risk of harm to the client or others. In this scenario, the client's agitation doesn't seem to present an imminent danger, so seclusion would be an excessive and restrictive intervention.
Choice D rationale:
Restrain the client to prevent injury to himself or others. Restraint should be an absolute last resort and only used when there's an imminent risk of harm that cannot be managed in any other way. Restraint can escalate agitation and trauma for the client, as well as pose legal and ethical concerns. Therefore, it should only be used when all other options have been exhausted and safety is a critical concern.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A: "You may experience dizziness upon standing while taking this medication."
Choice A rationale:
This choice is the correct answer because haloperidol, an antipsychotic medication, can cause orthostatic hypotension, which leads to dizziness upon standing. Antipsychotic medications often affect blood pressure regulation and can result in a sudden drop in blood pressure when transitioning from sitting or lying down to standing. This explanation provides essential information to the client to help them understand potential side effects and take necessary precautions.
Choice B rationale:
This choice is incorrect. Haloperidol is not indicated for treating symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is primarily used to manage symptoms of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Providing false information about its indications is not appropriate and may lead to confusion.
Choice C rationale:
This choice is incorrect. Clients should never stop taking antipsychotic medications abruptly without consulting their healthcare provider. Discontinuing such medications can lead to withdrawal effects and a worsening of symptoms. Encouraging the client to stop the medication if side effects are bothersome is not appropriate and could potentially jeopardize their well-being.
Choice D rationale:
This choice is partially correct but not the best answer. While haloperidol can cause excessive salivation (sialorrhea) as a side effect, the primary concern in this situation should be related to orthostatic hypotension and dizziness upon standing. Mentioning excessive salivation would be helpful, but it's secondary to the risk of falls associated with orthostatic hypotension.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. A room containing personal belongings.
Choice A rationale:
A room without a window would likely be isolating and could contribute to feelings of confusion and disorientation in a cognitively impaired individual. Natural light from windows helps regulate the circadian rhythm and provides a sense of time, which is crucial for maintaining a therapeutic environment.
Choice B rationale:
A room containing personal belongings is the correct choice. Familiar items from home can provide comfort and a sense of familiarity, reducing anxiety and agitation in cognitively impaired individuals. These belongings can act as cues for memory recall and assist in maintaining a connection to their personal identity.
Choice C rationale:
A room adjacent to the nursing station might lead to increased noise and disruption for the client. Cognitively impaired individuals often benefit from a quiet and calm environment, which would not be ensured in a room close to a potentially busy nursing station.
Choice D rationale:
A room with dim lighting can exacerbate confusion and disorientation in cognitively impaired individuals. Adequate lighting is essential for maintaining a safe and structured environment, as poor lighting can lead to falls and increased disorientation.
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